STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AGENDA ITEM 20: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
11 OCTOBER 2021
Madam Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Guinea on behalf of the G77 and China as well as by the Philippines, on behalf of ASEAN, respectively.
Madam Chair,
2. The COVID-19 crisis has made it more difficult for us to chart our progress towards realising the 2030 Agenda. Notwithstanding the challenges, Malaysia continues to implement the SDGs by aligning national strategies and initiatives in the recently launched 12th Malaysia Plan (2021 - 2025). The SDGs have been embedded in our economic plan since 2016. The new Plan will accelerate the localisation of the SDGs in our nationwide implementation. Further, Malaysia will also be institutionalising the role of CSOs in various governance mechanisms, particularly in the implementation and monitoring of development programmes.
3. In confronting the climate crisis, Malaysia recently established the Climate Change Action Council (MyCAC). The Council will set policy direction in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and actions, driving the green economic growth and catalysing green technology and low-carbon growth at all levels.
4. The Council has developed several approaches to climate action, among others, by i) implementing the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan 2021-2030 which aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 165 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and ii) reducing fuel expenditure by USD35 billion (RM150 billion) in the span of 10 years. In localising climate action, Malaysia will also shift towards increasing the usage of electric vehicles, low-carbon transportation system and low carbon cities with the ultimate aim of securing a carbon neutral economy.
Madam Chair,
5. In ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, Malaysia has introduced various initiatives such as fixing a target of 40% of renewable energy (RE) generation in its energy mix by 2035. We are pleased to share that Malaysia is also increasing its usage of renewable energy through the large scale solar (LSS). This government-led competitive bidding programme is currently in its 4th phase, and has generated close to 1,500 MW of electric energy.
6. Malaysia believes that the utilisation of alternative energy will further intensify the growth of green economy and boost energy sustainability. In this respect, Malaysia calls on our developed partners to render technology transfer to support the efforts of developing countries in transitioning towards sustainable energy.
7. On reducing disaster risks, Malaysia has made significant progress in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, namely by mainstreaming the agenda into the National Policy and Strategies on Disaster Risk Reduction. This is in line with our commitment towards implementing SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
8. As a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Malaysia has also undertaken various efforts in conserving biodiversity including gazetting terrestrial and marine protected areas in line with SDGs 14 and 15. Furthermore, Malaysia has enforced the Access to Biological Resource and Benefit Sharing Act among others, to regulate the use of biological resources, combat bio-piracy and ensure that monetary and non-monetary benefits from biological resources are shared equitably. We have also implemented the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3) to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement by deploying the military, police veterans as well as indigenous peoples as wildlife rangers.
Madam Chair,
9. In conclusion, Malaysia believes that all parties should continue intensifying their efforts in achieving the 2030 Agenda, in spite of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. Achieving the SDGs in this Decade of Action should inspire us towards a transformative recovery with the ambition to reduce the risks of future crises.
I thank you.