Ottawa: The LNG Canada project represents a vital link in strengthening energy cooperation between Malaysia and Canada, with both countries urged to explore new areas of collaboration beyond liquefied natural gas (LNG). At the Second Energy Security Forum Conference, organised by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI) in Ottawa on Thursday, Malaysian High Commissioner to Canada Datuk Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin said the project demonstrates how the two nations can work together to advance shared energy goals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shazelina emphasized that Malaysia and Canada are already collaborators in the energy sector, but LNG Canada is only one aspect of the potential that can be developed between the two countries. She noted opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy cooperation. Shazelina also highlighted Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims to raise the country’s renewable energy share to at least 70 percent by 2050. She acknowledged that the transition will not be easy but emphasized the Malaysian government’s commitment to achieving this target.

She further called on Canadian policymakers to facilitate investments in Canada, pointing out that LNG Canada stakeholders had held over 10,000 meetings with First Nations (Indigenous) before starting operations. Shazelina suggested that both the provincial and federal governments reassess this process, highlighting the significant time and effort required for investors to get projects off the ground.

LNG Canada, the country’s first liquefied natural gas export project, is a joint venture between Shell Canada (40 percent), Petronas Malaysia (25 percent), Mitsubishi Japan (15 percent), China National Petroleum Corporation (15 percent), and South Korea’s KOGAS (10 percent). The project is viewed as a game-changer for Canada as it navigates trade tariffs imposed by the United States.