PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's commitment to addressing climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 remains steadfast despite the separation of the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC) into two ministries.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability, stated that the division of NRECC into two ministries allows the government to address climate change and environmental sustainability more inclusively and justly.
Nik Nazmi believes that the changes made to NRECC, previously overseen by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Tuesday's Cabinet reshuffle, align with the global and domestic situation's strategic needs and demands.
"I do not anticipate changes in the country's commitment to climate change following the separation of NRECC. In fact, these changes will enable the government to take further steps in addressing environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation," Nik Nazmi told reporters after attending the Energy Commission's "A Decade of Energy Efficiency Challenge: Cultivating Energy Efficiency Culture Among School Students" today.
He also responded to concerns about the impact of the separation on the country's commitment to climate change, stating, "A rose by any other name would be just as sweet."
The Cabinet reshuffle by Anwar on Tuesday included the separation of NRECC, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof now overseeing energy transition and public utilities, which were previously under NRECC. (hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/989335/reshuffle-anwars-new-c...">https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/989335/reshuffle-anwars-new-c...)
Nik Nazmi will handle matters related to natural resources and environmental sustainability, including forest and wildlife conservation and climate change.
"Apart from natural resources, my ministry will also oversee matters related to the supply of energy and water, as well as the management of sewage, which will be under the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry," he added.
Nik Nazmi expressed confidence in his working relationship with Fadillah and believes that the Cabinet changes will help the government achieve its targets and goals related to energy transition and climate change.
Regarding the Energy Efficiency Challenge by the Energy Commission, now in its 10th year, Nik Nazmi commended the program for encouraging schools to practice energy efficiency, resulting in significant energy savings and carbon emission reductions over the years.
"Over the 10 years, the challenge has allowed the country to save 1,515,011 kilowatt-hours (kWh), equivalent to RM771,126. It has also helped us reduce 1,181.7 tonnes in carbon emissions. Congratulations to the Energy Commission for such an effort," he said.