NEWS
The key challenge faced by the Malaysian government in going green has been the absence of an institution tasked solely to drive green technology, Encik Mohd Rosli bin Haji Abdullah told FutureGov.
Senior Under Secretary Haji Abdullah is heading the Green Technology Division, which was set up two months ago following the launch of the country’s National Green Technology Policy.
The first of the five strategic thrusts under the National Green Technology Policy is to establish the National Green Technology Council. The council, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, will have ten to 12 members from various ministries to discuss green technology issues.
“Green technology efforts have always been fragmented with different ministries and agencies running their own projects. Environmental initiatives often involve several parties across the government, so we need to first strengthen the institution. The council will take a consolidated approach, providing a national strategic focus and plan,” added Haji Abdullah.
According to the Prime Minister Najib Razak, the government will lead by example by adopting green technology in government facilities.
The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water – which the Green Technology Division falls under – will be the key coordinator and facilitator for the green technology roadmap. It has already taken a lead in going green. Its building is the first to be rated a ‘Low Energy Office’ in Malaysia and reported energy savings of more than 50 per cent compared to new office buildings.
