KUALA LUMPUR: The government will move away from a “grow first, clean-up later” development model to a resilient, low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive in the 11th Malaysia Plan.
This will require fundamental changes across every major aspect including how policy is determined, how institutions are regulated, how responsibilities are shared and how people value their environment.
“With increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, adopting green growth has now become an imperative for Malaysia. It represents Malaysia’s commitment to renew and, indeed, increase its commitment to the environment and long-term sustainability,” the Plan elaborated.
Malaysia like the rest of the world is faced with a growing population and demand as well as a natural environment that is increasingly under stress. Through the Plan, the detrimental impact of socio-economic activity on environmental systems will be reduced.
“Natural capital, including forested areas, biodiversity, and water resources as well as its ecosystems, is valued and sustainably managed.
“Development gains are protected, thus ensuring wellbeing of people across generations,” the Plan stated, adding that energy use will be efficient and renewable energy widely used.
The first focus area will be to strengthen the enabling environment for green growth in which the government will provide the relevant policy and institutional framework for green growth.
To do this, the government will enhance regulatory and institutional framework, coordination, capacity as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Full report in NST print edition tomorrow