Malaysia

Malaysia’s performance is very near that of last year, as it rises one place to 56th in the CCPI, remaining among the very low-performing countries. As in the previous year, Malaysia receives a very low rating in the GHG Emissions category. While it improves its Renewable Energy rating to medium (with a very high in the renewable energy – current trend indicator), it remains at very low in Climate Policy and its Energy Use rating falls to very low.

Newly launched Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap

In December 2021, the Malaysian Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources launched the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap. This includes the government’s target of reaching 31% of the renewable energy share in the national installed capacity mix by 2025. The prime minister also announced Malaysia’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050, alongside a commitment to stop building new coal-fired power plants.

Despite these movements, the CCPI experts criticise that Malaysia’s renewable energy targets include controversial large hydro projects to leverage Malaysia’s full hydro potential. The experts demand increased deployment of rooftop solar power and large-scale solar. They also note continuing deforestation and logging, and a lack of implementation of current policies, as key problems.

Oil and gas sector still important

Malaysia is an oil-producing country and a natural gas exporter. Its oil and gas sector remains an important part of the Malaysian economy, with 20% of fiscal revenue from profits derived from fossil fuel product sales. Fugitive emissions from the oil and gas industry must be reduced. A clear blueprint to net zero including a monitoring and reporting framework, as well as a climate change ministry, are key demands.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

• Zelina Zaiton Ibrahim (Centre for Environment Technology and Development, Malaysia)
• Anthony Tan Kee Huat (Environmental Protection Society Malaysia & Society for the Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals)