Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has yet to decide whether to implement a compulsory carbon tax for the aviation sector, although the country remains committed to the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. He stated that Malaysia would adopt a phased approach in implementing measures to reduce aviation emissions, with details to be announced periodically.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke mentioned that the strategy and implementation could vary from country to country. For Malaysia, the decision on whether to impose a carbon tax is still pending. "Of course, implementation will take place in stages, and more detailed implementation will be announced from time to time. But at this point, we have yet to make any decision. CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia) has not made any decision regarding compulsory carbon taxation," Loke told a press conference during the 61st Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference for the Asia-Pacific Region (DGCA/61).
Loke emphasized that reducing emissions was part of Malaysia's national obligation as well as an international obligation under ICAO, with all member states required to work towards the 2050 net-zero target. Meanwhile, the conference, hosted by Malaysia for the first time, brings together civil aviation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss issues including aviation safety, emerging technologies, and sustainability.
Loke highlighted that the conference, themed 'Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable, and Efficient Aviation', was significant as aviation demand continued to grow while new technologies developed rapidly. "Technology is already transforming the way aircraft are operated, airspace is managed, and aviation risks are identified. AI (artificial intelligence), unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced air mobility will create further possibilities for connectivity, logistics, and public services," he said.
He reiterated that innovation must be supported by clear policies, credible regulations, and strong public confidence to ensure that technological advancement would enhance aviation safety and efficiency rather than create new risks. Earlier, in his opening remarks, Loke stated that aviation remained a strategic pillar of national development for Malaysia as an open and trading nation.
"Malaysia aims to strengthen its position as a resilient and competitive regional aviation hub through modern infrastructure, more efficient airspace, strong regulatory institutions, and a highly skilled workforce." He also noted that Malaysia had established a pathway towards net-zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050 through the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint, aligned with ICAO's Long-Term Aspirational Goal.