Eco-friendly greeting: Johor Baru City Council fashioned this sign with plastic bottles and cans to raise awareness about problems faced by marine life. The Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 is ongoing at Persada International Convention Centre. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Green plans will help state cope with climate trends, challenges
Johor government’s newly launched green agenda is hoped to put the state at the forefront of sustainability in Malaysia.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic) said Johor Green Development Master Plan or Johor Green Deal, was a framework for the government to plan the state’s greener future, taking into account social, economic and environmental conditions when planning development.
The green agenda, which includes Johor Sustainability Centre (JSC), was launched by Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris in conjunction with the ongoing Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW) 2023.
The five-day APCW 2023, which ends tomorrow, is being held at Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
Over 2,000 delegates from more than 100 countries are attending the event.
Onn Hafiz said APCW 2023, which was being held for the first time in the state and Malaysia, played a pivotal role in driving worldwide discussions, policies and actions on climate change.
A farmer in his paddy field which dried up, due to a dry spell, in Pagoh, Johor. — Filepic
“It serves as a catalyst for positive global change and Johor intends to learn from it.
“More importantly, to be a part of that catalyst for change, and Johor is ready.”
Onn Hafiz said the Johor Green Deal allowed the government to create a stronger sustainable economy for the future.
“As for JSC, it will primarily play a research and advisory role, assisting the state government on green initiatives through collaborations with academic institutions and industry players.
“I hope that this initiative is another step in the right direction and I am eager to see its impact on the people of Johor.
“In the spirit of change, Johor aims to be at the forefront of sustainability efforts.
“With support from all stakeholders, including the private sector and the people, we can make a difference,” he said.
A total of 14 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth RM180mil were signed at the event, which Onn Hafiz said was a reflection of the seriousness of both Johor government agencies and the private sector.
Foreign delegates taking a wefie at one of the booths at the APCW 2023 in Johor Baru. Over 2,000 delegates from 100 countries are attending the event.
All MoUs signed involve various agreements, collaborations and joint ventures in addressing environmental challenges, fostering economic growth and encouraging innovation.
In her decree, Raja Zarith Sofiah said Johor Green Deal would become the primary reference and policy for the state’s green development agenda.
“It will also guide the government in terms of prioritising the range of green growth projects for the state,” she added.
Her Majesty said Johor had experienced devastating impacts of climate change such as flash floods and droughts.
“Located in the southernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor is one of the areas that has been affected by excessive and erratic rainfall, which have led to the frequent occurrence of floods.
“These floods have caused loss of lives, loss of homes, environmental damage, economic loss, and have also drastically altered river morphology.
“These natural disasters prove that water and climate change are inextricably linked.
“Global warming is worsening both water scarcity and water-related hazards.”
She said the state must ensure it could cope despite changing climate trends and challenges.
(From left) Svenningsen and Lee planting trees to commemorate Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 at Sireh Park in Iskandar Puteri.
“It is a source of great pride to me that the state government is playing an active role in combating climate change and to aim for green development,” she said.
“Apart from the Johor Green Deal, JSC will also become the main platform for strategic collaborations between local as well as international organisations and the state government in putting green initiatives into action.
“The launch of these two impactful agendas will emphasise the state government’s commitment to green development and in achieving the primary goals of the Maju Johor 2030 agenda,” Raja Zarith Sofiah, who is royal patron of JSC, added.
On APCW 2023, Her Majesty said she was both honoured and delighted that Johor was hosting such a pivotal event.
She said it demonstrated and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainability and green initiatives while providing a platform for scientists, policymakers and practitioners to deliberate on climate matters ahead of United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 28 in Dubai.
“I hope Johor’s dedication and leadership in hosting this event will herald partnerships with other states in Malaysia and countries in the Asia-Pacific region in addressing the challenges of a global climate crisis,” she added.
Former mentri besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, who along with Onn Hafiz is JSC advisor, elaborated further on the role of the centre.
He said JSC was aimed at fostering sustainable development, innovation and climate resilience within the state and beyond.
The centre’s mission was to facilitate knowledge cooperation, amplify subject matter advocacy, and assist the private sector in making informed decisions regarding sustainability, climate change adaptation, and mitigation, he added.
The five-day APCW has seen the presentation of technical papers, symposiums, networking, introductory tours, regional and global cooperation, investment discussions and talks on economic and social impact of climate change.
There are also over 50 exhibitors, including JCorp, Handal Indah, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda), local authorities, Permodalan Darul Ta’zim, Telekom Malaysia, and Ranhill SAJ.
Meanwhile, a total of 190 trees of various types were planted at Sireh Park in Iskandar Puteri as a symbolic gesture to launch APCW 2023.
The saplings were planted by APCW 2023 delegations from various countries as part of efforts to raise awareness on environmental care.
The programme was organised by Iskandar Puteri City Council.
Johor investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han was present for the event, alongside United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) programme coordination manager Niclas Svenningsen.
