Putrajaya: Despite concerns that the newly elected Trump administration in the United States may dismantle ESG regulations, the government remains committed to the country’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) development.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, said: “Climate change is real, no matter who is president of the United States.”
“We know that Malaysia is already seeing the effects of climate change. Villages on the east coast are now being swallowed by the sea. So it’s real, and it’s going to be there no matter who the president of the United States is,” said Nick Nazmi at the launch of IOI Property Group’s IOI Sustainment Roadmap 2030 and IOI City. He said this in a keynote speech at the official launch of Malaysia’s largest shopping mall solar power system at the mall. today.
He added: “We know that climate change will have wide-ranging impacts on the environment and society, and will also impact business.”
Nick Nazmi said the National Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the first quarter of 2025, adding, “Governance is key for Malaysia to grow and remain resilient to climate change.” I will play my role.”
He said the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Sustainability is currently conducting dialogue sessions with stakeholders and preparing a consultation document for public comment until November 18. Input from the private sector and the general public. ”
Nick Nazmi said the government considers nature-based solutions to be an important aspect of tackling climate change.
“Our commitment to nature-based solutions has led to the protection and restoration of forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems that act as natural buffers against climate impacts,” he said.
Nick Nazmi pointed out that Malaysia is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests and the country is determined to protect them as important carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. “These ecosystems play an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of our climate and are the basis of our resilience strategy,” he said.
Nick Nazmi said during a town hall session in July, more than 30 local universities and research institutions expressed strong support for the establishment of a biodiversity center and natural history museum.
“We have submitted a development budget plan from the government side through the Ministry of Economy to build a biodiversity center and natural history museum costing RM140 million.”
He added, “But I think that’s a very bare-bones basic. That’s why we’re working on public-private partnerships to get more funding, to get commitments from a lot of big companies, to get cutting-edge technology. We need to be able to actually build a biodiversity center. It’s about what we can show the world with the collections we have.”
Nick Nazmi said almost every megadiverse nation has a center of excellence for biodiversity management. However, Malaysia is one of the few countries without a national biodiversity centre. “Although Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang have previously established state-level biodiversity centers, the need for a national-level center to complement state efforts cannot be denied.”
Nick Nazmi manages scientific collections and biodiversity databases, coordinates scientific research for the science-policy interface, establishes centers for advanced training in biodiversity, and organizes exhibitions and support programs. He said it will have some core features such as: Providing advisory and consulting services, and as a major tourist attraction.
