KUALA LUMPUR: A regional integration approach to environmentally-sustainable transportation is key to developing the green economy in Asia, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this was due to the region’s combined might, which accounts for a significant portion of the global economy.
"Currently, transportation remains the primary source of energy-related emissions in 45% of countries worldwide.
"With 4.7 billion people and a GDP of US$41.3 trillion (RM197.41 trillion), Asia has the potential to be the epicentre of the global green economy, which is why we must cooperate strategically in the transportation sector.
"Active participation from all Asian nations can boost economic growth and create jobs in the green economy by leveraging our extensive infrastructure, particularly in transportation," he said in a keynote address at the High-Level 15th Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum in Asia here on Tuesday (Oct 24).
He added that regional integration would also help to reduce social disparities and trade barriers among Asian countries.
"Embracing eco-friendly practices in transportation is both environmentally responsible and beneficial for creating more efficient sustainable business models," he stressed.
In his opening speech, Transport Minister Anthony Loke affirmed Malaysia’s commitment towards sustainable transportation.
"On this note, the Malaysian government has invested in various sustainable public transport projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) which would significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector.
"We have also acknowledged the significance of other sectors in transport, including aviation and maritime," he said.
On aviation, Loke outlined three key initiatives in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) launched in July: the development of a comprehensive aviation decarbonisation roadmap; implementation of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending mandate; and conducting a palm oil-feedstock emissions study to ensure sustainable sourcing for SAF production.
On maritime transportation, Loke said the government was looking to achieve a 40% low-carbon fuel penetration for the sector by 2050 through the research and use of green hydrogen-based fuels like e-methanol and e-ammonia.
The forum would see experts and government ministerial representatives from across Asia and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development come together to discuss a sustainable transportation system.
Around 300 people were expected, both in person and online, to take part in multinational discussions that would last for three days until Thursday (Oct 26).
