Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) is set to establish 200 low carbon zones nationwide by 2030 as part of its strategic commitment to addressing the global climate crisis. Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup described the effort as a proactive step to position urban areas as catalysts for green economic growth and to enhance the climate-resilient well-being of the people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative began with the introduction of the Low Carbon Cities Framework in 2011 and was further strengthened through the National Low Carbon Cities Masterplan in 2021. To date, 146 out of 156 local authorities (PBTs) have received the relevant training, and 70 PBTs have already started implementing low-carbon solutions in their respective areas.
Arthur highlighted the crucial role of cities in climate change mitigation, noting that over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are concentrated in urban areas, which serve as hubs of economic activity, mobility, and energy consumption. Malaysia has put forward a more progressive national GHG emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement via its Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) announced on October 24 last year.
Through NDC 3.0, Malaysia has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 15 to 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035. Of this amount, 20 million tonnes will be achieved through domestic efforts without any preconditions. The remaining 10 million tonnes are subject to international support in terms of financing and technology transfer, signaling Malaysia's seriousness in playing its role as a responsible global partner.
Arthur also mentioned that NRES is in the final stages of drafting the Climate Change Bill and the National Climate Change Authority Bill to ensure the target is not merely rhetorical. This legislation aims to strengthen the country's climate change governance and facilitate the implementation of the National Carbon Market Policy to promote a transparent carbon credit ecosystem.
Based on an audit from the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), the low-carbon city initiative throughout 2025 has yielded significant results, with a reduction in emissions of 324,073.84 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The total carbon absorption reached 80,837.06 tonnes, symbolically equivalent to planting 10.12 million mature trees or taking 87,650 cars off the road per year.
Meanwhile, Arthur expressed his appreciation to the local governments of Selangor, Johor, Melaka, Pahang, and Kedah for their consistent efforts in reducing GHG emissions. He urged wider participation from other states, including Sabah and Sarawak, to achieve a comprehensive sustainability agenda by 2030. At the event, a total of 164 Diamond Recognitions were awarded to PBTs and partners in recognition of their outstanding efforts to reduce GHG emissions.