The impending Climate Change Bill presents Malaysia with a timely opportunity to strengthen climate governance, promote environmental sustainability and open new opportunities for the business sector, while ensuring a balance between ecological and economic priorities. As global climate commitments tighten, Malaysia must craft legislation suited to its developmental context rather than unquestioningly adopting foreign models.
For emission-intensive industries, the Bill should establish phased reduction targets that take into account technical and financial limitations. Equally important are fiscal incentives for the adoption of clean technology and dedicated support for energy efficiency improvements, enabling businesses to adapt without compromising competitiveness.
