The best bet for Malaysia to reduce greenhouse gas emission lies in the use of solar and biomass, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
He said this was based on the studies undertaken thus far but the commercialisation of such technologies might not happen any time soon.
“Much work still needs to be done. But many consider the energy efficiency approach as the low hanging fruits to improve the country’s energy use intensity,” he said at the 28th anniversary celebration of the Rotary Club of Likas Bay, here last night.
Ongkili said this required more awareness and education programmes to change the attitude of consumers and industry.
“This may be an area best handled by NGOs. This is where I feel smaller initiatives taken at the community level with the support of NGOs are easier to implement and in the long run, the impact is more meaningful,” he said.
Ongkili said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced Malaysia’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity by 40 per cent by 2020 at the 2009 Copenhagen meeting of the Conference of Parties on climate change.
He said this commitment was made on the understanding that developed nations are willing to provide the necessary transfer of low emission technology as well as access to international finance.
At the same time, he said the government was investing in the necessary research and development to develop the country’s own homegrown science and technology to support the reduction commitment.
Ongkili said his ministry had actively channeled funding for research and development in energy efficiency and the development of the renewable sources of energy.
