Lee (in blue) speaking during the forum in Desaru, Kota Tinggi. To his right is Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
JOHOR’s role in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) is a key opportunity to promote green cities, the blue economy and sustainable development
State investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said these efforts aligned with the Johor Green Deal that was launched during Asia Pacific Climate Week 2023 in Johor Baru.
The Green Deal focuses on promoting green energy, low-carbon cities and sustainable industries.
“For example, the IMT-GT Blueprint (2022-2026) emphasises the integration of green and blue economy strategies to support sustainable urban development, with backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“These initiatives aim to cut carbon emissions, create jobs in green and marine sectors and attract investment in renewable energy and marine industries,” he said when contacted.
Lee added that by working with industry experts and international organisations like the ADB and Asean Secretariat, the state could play a more active role in this agenda as the IMT-GT framework encouraged participation from state and regional governments.
He highlighted that the recent 21st Chief Ministers and Governors Forum (CMGF) held in Desaru, Kota Tinggi, provided a platform to improve regional cooperation within the IMT-GT.
“This year’s discussions focused on issues such as environmental sustainability, resilient tourism and developing the blue economy, aimed at strengthening the economic and environmental aspects of the IMT-GT region.
“We also reviewed reports from the 7th IMT-GT Green Council Meeting, progress on the IMT-GT Sustainable Urban Development Framework, regional cooperation projects and updates from the ADB and Asean Secretariat.”
Lee said the 7th Green Council Meeting reaffirmed the members’ commitment to accelerating sustainable development in seven key areas – transport, energy, solid waste management, biodiversity, circular economy, climate change literacy and raising awareness about sustainability.
He also pointed out that aligning local green projects with national and regional policies, especially on cross-border issues like pollution and waste management, would reinforce environmental resilience.
“Each member country showcased its contributions to the green agenda.
“For instance, Indonesia highlighted the development of the Tenayan Industrial Park, focusing on palm oil industry infrastructure, while Thailand shared progress in eco-friendly public transport, solar roof projects and climate change education.
“As for Thailand, they have upgraded Phuket International Airport and established new transport links across the Golok River.
“Thailand also suggested more integrated cooperation by establishing CMGF Secretariat offices in member countries and a mechanism to strengthen the CMGF’s role within the IMT-GT Framework,” he said.
Lee added that Malaysia had introduced several major projects, including Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Special Financial Zone in Forest City, Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ), Malaysia Vision Valley and Kerian Integrated Industrial Park.
“These are expected to boost cross-border cooperation and industrial growth.
“These projects and initiatives will improve connectivity, tourism and economic resilience across the IMT-GT region, making our region stronger and more competitive globally,” he said.
