Energy Transition Not A Burden But A Catalyst For Growth — Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s energy transition agenda should not be regarded as a burden; instead, it can open up opportunities to create quality jobs, empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said the transition also presents a major opportunity for economic transformation through new investment avenues, the creation of high-value jobs and the enhancement of local industries’ competitiveness.

“Malaysia is committed to leading the energy transition agenda in a responsible and forward-looking manner. During the High-Level Panel on ASEAN Climate Diplomacy, I stressed that this transition is not an option, but a strategic necessity for the future of the country and the region,” he said in a Facebook post after participating in the ASEAN Climate Forum in Jakarta today.

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Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the nation’s decarbonisation efforts must not compromise supply security and affordability for the people, and must take into account the energy trilemma of sustainability, security and cost in a balanced manner.

“Energy transition must be practical, gradual and deliver direct benefits to the people and industry. We are accelerating renewable energy development, modernising the grid and attracting new investments in the clean energy sector,” he said.

At the ASEAN level, regional cooperation such as cross-border electricity trading and the ASEAN Power Grid is crucial. If member states move forward together, the energy transition will not merely be a climate responsibility but a driver of growth and the region’s economic future.

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“ASEAN’s strength lies in its collective spirit and ability to work together. However, we must continue to strengthen grid interconnectivity, harmonise energy trade regulations and expand access to green financing so that all member states can progress in tandem in the energy transition,” he said.

Fadillah emphasised that under the Nationally Determined Contributions, Malaysia aims to reduce carbon intensity by up to 45 per cent by 2030, with 37.12 per cent achieved as of 2021.

He added that the target of achieving net-zero emissions as early as 2050 is being driven through the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Climate Change Bill.

Fadillah also said more than 137 million trees had been planted under the Greening Malaysia Programme as of this month, as part of efforts to enhance the country’s climate action.

“Malaysia is confident that ASEAN can drive inclusive, secure and sustainable growth for future generations by aligning national efforts with regional cooperation,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister is currently on a three-day working visit to Jakarta beginning yesterday.

-- BERNAMA