Ports say aye to green policy
Liow: Initial steps taken for operators to be more environmentally-friendly
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian ports have taken initial steps towards the development of a Green Port Policy, meant to guide port operators into becoming environmentally-friendly and commercially-viable.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai made the announcement yesterday after attending the third session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Ministerial Conference on Transport 2016, held in Moscow, of which environmental sustainability in the transport sector was a key focus.
“Based on three elements, namely Environment, Community Engagement, and Sustainability, the policy includes initiatives such as ballast water management, study of fuel quality of ships in ports, and environmental as well as energy, electricity and fuel saving initiatives,” said Liow in a statement.
Along with enhancing safety and security, as well as improving connectivity and infrastructure, the Green Port Policy would form a holistic and cohesive development plan, which would see Malaysia transform into a competitive transportation hub in the region.
In line with the nation’s rapid transport development and deep commitment towards sustainable growth, Malaysia has pledged its support for the implementation of UNESCAP’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
“Towards this end, Malaysia has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45% in terms of emission intensity of GDP by 2030,” he said.
“These include initiatives, which utilise green technology across the land, aviation as well as maritime transport sectors.”
Under the National Automotive Policy 2014, the Government is determined to reduce energy consumption and emissions of harmful gas by encouraging the use of energy-efficient vehicles.
Malaysia is also focused on reducing carbon emissions by 40% in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Global Market-Based Measures.
“We will also be participating in the pilot phase of ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation,” Liow added.