KAJANG, Feb 23 ― Malaysians ought to change their lifestyles and habits if they wish to become a low-carbon society by 2030, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry said today.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Zaini Ujang said sustainable living is key to realising the nation’s goal of capping its annual carbon emission per capita to six tonnes under 12 years’ time.
“For example, choosing to walk instead of driving contributes to lower carbon emission. For that proper shading is needed so that one does not have to walk directly under the hot sun.
“Likewise, replacing broken-down electrical appliances such as air-conditioning increases carbon emission, so it would be better to service them regularly to avoid such instances,” he said after the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) Green dialogue session here.
The event at the Selangor International Islamic College University was mainly attended by civil servants and university students, and was the fourth iteration after three previous ones in Sabah, Kelantan and Terengganu since the start of the year.
Its main purpose is to provide general explanations on the ministry’s Green Technology Master Plan, which was launched in October last year.
Zaini said it is crucial to strike a balance between carbon emission and economic growth, since developing economies commonly generate more carbon emission.
“The master plan seeks to stimulate economic growth while reducing carbon emission whenever possible. Its main focus will be on the energy sector, as over 70 per cent of emission come from there,” he said.
