Y. Bhg. Professor Datuk Rafiah Salim,
Vice-Chancellor,
University of Malaya,
Y. Bhg. Professor Dato’ Dr Azizan Abu Samah,
Chairman of the Organising Committee,
Forum and Exhibition on Climate Change in the Asia Pacific Region,
Dato’-Dato’, Datin-Datin,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fourth Assessment Report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the scientific body on Climate Change, clearly underscores the global scientific consensus that it is more than 90% certain that greenhouse gas emissions by human activities are raising global temperatures.
2. The objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is to stabilize the greenhouse gases (GHGs) concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994. Malaysia ratified the Convention on 13 July 1994.
3. The six main greenhouse gases (GHGs) controlled under the Convention are: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The main sources of GHG emission in Malaysia are from burning of fossil fuel in the energy and transport sectors and the release of methane gas from municipal landfills.
4. As part of the measures to achieve its objectives within a legal framework, the Kyoto Protocol under the Convention was formulated in 1997 and came into force on 16 February 2005. Malaysia ratified the Kyoto Protocol on 4 September 2002.
The main issues that concern Malaysia under this Convention are as follows:
Mitigation
5. Malaysia is of the view that Annex I should continue their commitment in the second commitment period. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities should always be adhered to. Developed countries should achieve or exceed their greenhouse reduction commitment targets in the first commitment period. They must also work towards an early completion of the work by the Ad-hoc Working Group on further commitments for Annex I Parties under Article 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol, to deepen their commitments under the second commitment period. While we recognize the importance of getting developing countries (Non-Annex 1 countries) to be more involved in reducing the emissions of GHG, we do not support the idea of providing emission targets for these countries.
6. With regards to the Ad-Hoc Working Group on Long-term cooperative Action (AWGLCA), Malaysia feels that it is vital to discuss issues relating to finance and investment, technology transfer and capacity building for adaptation and mitigation. We have spent much time deliberating on these issues but have yet to see any progress.
7. We are also disappointed that while these pressing issues have not been resolved, some countries are pressing for a shared vision. In our view, a shared vision is something that can only be considered when issues relating to finance and investment, technology transfer and capacity building have been resolved. Finally, we also wish to learn from Annex 1 Parties’ experience in addressing climate change since their efforts may be applicable here.
8. In spite of the fact that we do not have mandatory emissions targets, Malaysia has taken various measures to reduce our GHG emissions. Firstly, the government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has promoted many Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in Malaysia. The CDM is a project between an Annex 1 Party and a local company, whereby the Annex 1 Party purchases certified emission reduction units (CERs) from the local company, to meet its mandatory emission reductions. We benefit from CDM projects because they promote sustainable development and also provide technology transfer to local companies.
9. As of today, 27 projects are registered with CDM Executive Board in Bonn and 4 projects have been issued with CERs. Total emission reduction of these 27 projects is 2.1 million tons CO2 per year. The projects are in many sectors including landfill, biomass, mini-hydro, municipal waste, composting and oil and gas. This has made us number one in South East Asia in terms of the number of projects that are registered and fifth in the world. As of April 2008, there are 20 more projects under the pipeline.
10. More recently, interest has focused on carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) in geological formations as a project activity under the CDM. We are of the view that technical issues such as leakage and project boundary must be addressed for CCS to be a viable CDM project. In addition to that, we need to ensure that with the implementation of CCS under the CDM, the CDM market would not be flooded with CCS generated CERs and drive down their price.
11. Another area where my Ministry has played a significant role in addressing climate change is through our policy on sustainable forest management (SFM). Currently almost 60% of the land area in Malaysia is covered by forest and if tree crops such as rubber, oil palm and cocoa are included the area increases to 77%. Malaysia is committed to the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) as enshrined in the resolution of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), as well as the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). While focusing on economic growth and development, Malaysia has given equal emphasis to promote conservation of its forests.
12. Malaysia's commitment to sustainable forest management and is best reflected through its achievements in the formulation of the comprehensive National Forestry Policy 1978 and the National Forestry Act 1984; the establishment and gazettement of Permanent Reserve Forests; and the marked progress made in forestry research and development (R&D). This is further enhanced by the operationalisation and implementation of the Malaysian Criteria, Indicators, Activities and Standards of Performance for Sustainable Forest Management (MC&I) based on the elaboration of the ITTO Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests, and the allocation of financial resources to carry out forest development activities, as well as projects and studies related to sustainable forest management.
13. Additionally, it is also critical to note that while our emission has been increasing from 114 metric tonnes (Mt.) in 1994 to 196 Mt. in 2000, essentially because we are still a developing country where numerous development projects are still being implemented. However, if we are to take into consideration the phenomenon of carbon sequestration, it is interesting to note that we are in fact a net sink of 207 Mt. (sequestration: 404 Mt. minus emission:196 Mt.)
14. We will implement an integrated and holistic Clean Air Action Plan later this year. This plan is an integrated approach to improving air quality through reducing emissions from the industrial and transportation sectors and haze from land and forestry activities and open burning. It will enhance capacity to monitor air quality and promote awareness programmes on air quality directed at the public. This is vital because while the level of compliance among the industries are quite high (80%), nevertheless, 20% of those yet to comply need to be given due attention. This is because they are basically small and medium industries which require further guidance to be given to them. The Department of Environment had targeted 2015 to achieve 100% compliance to the air quality.
15. My Ministry has also commenced preparation of the Second National Communication (NC2) which is expected to be completed in 2009, and will be reporting on levels of GHGs for base year 2000. The NC2 process will also further strengthen Malaysia’s ability to collate and analyse data and information on local GHG emissions, assess vulnerability of different sectors, formulate measures to mitigate emission levels and adapt to climate change, and last but not least, further enhance Malaysia’s contributions on this issue at the international level. The role of Malaysian rainforests that act as carbon sinks will be further investigated. Activities undertaken during this process will build expertise and increase local capacity in these specialist areas. Results from this process will also be used as inputs for national strategic planning.
16. Under 9th Malaysia Plan, new sources of energy such as solar and wind will be developed with an emphasis on utilizing cost-effective technology as well as strengthening capacity building. In this regard, efforts will be undertaken to coordinate R&D activities of the various energy related research centre. In addition, activities under the road map on solar, hydrogen and fuel cells such as technology development and knowledge sharing will be implemented while financing mechanism will be explored. Malaysia is moving towards achieving the regional Renewable Energy (RE) target of 10% in electricity generation and has put into place various initiatives in promoting Energy Efficiency (EE) in domestic and industrial sectors. To further promote sustainable use of energy, equipment (technology) used by a company to generate energy from renewable resources for its own consumption is granted Accelerated Capital Allowance from between 4 and 8 years to 1 year.
17. In the transport sector, our National Bio-fuel Policy has five strategic thrusts and among them is to use bio-fuel for transport where diesel for land and sea transport will be a blend of 5% processed palm oil and 95% petroleum diesel. The usage of bio-fuel will help in reducing our fossil fuel consumption and thus, will further reduce our emission of GHG;
18. At its meeting on 2 January 2008, the Cabinet agreed with the proposal by my Ministry to form a Cabinet Committee on Climate Change which will look into the policies, strategies and actions that need to be taken to address climate change in Malaysia. The first meeting of this Cabinet Committee is expected to be held later this year.
19. I want to congratulate the Association of Pacific Rim Universities World Institute (AWI) for its efforts in coordinating the expertise within some of the foremost research universities in the Pacific Rim to undertake the research on Pacific Rim Cities: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies. I understand that the first part of this research will concentrate on the impact of climate change on water resources and sea level rise on Pacific Rim cities. This study will garner the expertise from leading universities in the Pacific Rim and hopefully will help in sharing experience and technology to help in planning adaptation and mitigation strategies for the Pacific Rim cities.
20. My Ministry is also active in research and has undertaken a major effort to study the impact of climate change on the hydrology in Malaysia. Our study found that all sectors of the economy will be impacted by expected hydrological changes such as increase in weather extremes, hydrometeorological related disasters such as flooding and coastal inundations that will increase in frequency due to climate change.
Adaptation
21. As a developing country, Malaysia will be badly affected by the impact of climate change whether in agricultural sector, health sector, coastal erosion, or disruption of our economic activities. Hence, we need to have adaptation strategies, technical and technological capabilities and scientific knowledge to address and adapt to such impact.
22. Recently, Malaysia has been experiencing frequent floods due to unusual weather patterns. Malaysia is also concerned about the impact of climate change on our agricultural sector. Hence, we are very keen on keeping abreast with technology and scientific development on the adaptation of agricultural crops against the climate change phenomena i.e. for better crop varieties which can withstand extreme drought and extreme wet season.
23. As for flood mitigation, we need the expertise not only to be able to contain the excess water but also to ensure excess water could be channeled out without delay once the flood subsides.
24. We need expertise and knowledge on the management of our coastal areas in combating the coastal erosion due to the rise of sea level and also to be able to adapt to the changes in pattern of vector borne diseases that are projected to increase.
25. My Ministry is active in raising environmental awareness but we certainly support additional efforts by private and public organizations and NGOs to raise awareness of Malaysians on climate change. I am very gratified that this forum increases the awareness of the public on climate change. Much remains to be done to foster the global political will to undertake difficult but necessary steps such as reducing the carbon footprints of nations in this region. The world is our common heritage and everybody including the future generation has a stake in its well being.
26. Coming just after the World Environmental Day and the major international research efforts of the International Polar Year and the United Nations International Year of Planet Earth, this forum is another Malaysian effort in registering our interest and concern as a global citizen on the state of our environment which is now under threat from climate change due to our human activities.
27. Now more than ever, the global community needs to be united to tackle the problem of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and find an equitable solution to this problem. Funds, technology and capacity must also be secured and developed to assist the communities that are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. It is my fervent hope that the AWI effort can contribute to this global effort.
On this note, I officially declare open the Forum and Exhibition on Climate Change in the Asia Pacific Region organized by AWI.
Thank you.