At last year’s climate change summit in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Da-tuk Seri Najib Razak pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent if there were green technologies and funding from the West.
The government set up a RM1.5 billion green technology funding scheme to encourage companies, especially in the energy, water and waste management industries, to use green technology.
It allocated RM20 million under the 2010 Budget to promote green awareness and lifestyle among consumers.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said the ministry had approved 10 per cent or RM104.8 million for six projects in the scheme.
“We are lagging behind Thailand and Singapore in green technology, which has a huge potential.”
Chin blamed this on the lack of awareness among industry and consumers about environmental concerns such as inefficient energy use and carbon emissions.
The ministry will host the International Greentech & Eco-Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia next month. Its Dare to Dream challenge will encourage young minds to report on issues and suggest sustainable measures through green technology.
Malaysia Energy Centre chief operating officer Ahmad Zairin Ismail notes the potential of the green technology industry, which includes information and communication technology, transportation, buildings, water and waste water management, energy and manufacturing.
Najib said in his blog in May that the renewable energy sector could create at least 52,000 jobs by 2020.
