Tabling Of Climate Change Bill Expected To Be Delayed For Direct Engagement With Industries - Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The tabling of the Climate Change Bill is expected to be delayed to allow for direct and thorough engagement with business entities and associations.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who has been entrusted with the responsibilities and functions of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability said it is crucial for the industry players to fully understand the implications and necessity of the act, including subsequent elements such as the introduction of a carbon tax. 

“I want to do direct engagement with all these business entities and associations. They must understand because you know once we have this act...

"At the end of the day, if the business community doesn't understand why we do this, it's actually for the benefit of the economy going forward," said Johari, who is a Plantation and Commodities Minister. 

He told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) Conference at the Securities Commission (SC) here today. 

Also in attendance were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Securities Commission Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi and Dutch Ambassador to Malaysia, Jacques Werner.

Asked about the timeline, Johari said the engagement process would be conducted as quickly as possible and would not be prolonged unnecessarily, stressing that the legislation is ultimately for the long-term benefit of the country’s economy and that it was vital for the business community to comprehend its purpose.

He also gave assurance that the delay in tabling the bill will not affect Malaysia's commitment to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

In his keynote address, Johari said the proposed bill, also known as Rang Undang Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara (RUUPIN) will enshrine both mitigation and adaptation measures into law.

He said it will provide impetus to the development of a domestic carbon market, boosting alignment with our Net-Zero and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.

“These mitigation steps are crucial in meeting our Nationally Determined Contribution. Yet, even as we strive to address climate change, we must prepare for its impacts,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA