Bigger push for cleaner air
Steps being taken to reduce carbon emission in transport sector.
BENTONG: The transportation sector, which currently contributes to 21% of carbon emission, will strive to take on green initiatives.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry was drawing up a policy to encourage airlines to switch to “green airplanes”.
(The green airplane of the future will tackle some of aviation’s biggest environmental challenges including fuel efficiency, noise and plane washing. New developments in technology will make it quieter, cleaner and cheaper, allowing it to fly more frequently and burn less fuel.)
“They may get a discount in airport tax, for example. We also have to make our airports green as part of our overall efforts in the aviation sector,” Liow told reporters after attending a “Green Bentong” luncheon at his parliamentary constituency here to discuss ways to protect the environment.
Liow said Malaysia had, at the recent Asean Aviation Summit held in Langkawi, stressed the importance of the need for support from all on environmental protection.
He said Malaysia had also pledged to be part of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s global market-based measure scheme on car- bon offsetting and reduction.
The minister said that of the carbon emission from the transportation industry, 85% came from vehicles, 13% from the aviation sector and 1.4% by marine transport.
He said car owners were encouraged to give electric cars a try.
“A comprehensive plan to support these cars with charging stations is being planned,” he added.
As for marine transport, Liow said Penang Port and Port Klang had won international accolades for their green initiatives which included energy saving and waste management.
Malaysia is committed to cutting carbon emission by 40% by 2020.
They may get a discount in airport tax, for example. We also have to make our airports green as part of our overall efforts in the aviation sector.
Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai