Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM) recently shared its feedback on the proposed climate change bill, known as RUUPIN. This bill aims to establish a solid framework for tackling climate challenges in Malaysia, aligning with the Paris Agreement.
In our response, CGM highlighted several concerns regarding the bill’s focus on climate action, governance, emissions control, resilience to climate impacts, and the need for transparent data sharing, all while considering regional nuances.
Key Takeaways on RUUPIN
RUUPIN is designed to serve as Malaysia’s main climate legislation, empowering the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRES) to direct climate actions. CGM supports this but urges a more urgent tone in the language used. We propose using “climate crisis” instead of “climate change” to emphasize the gravity of the situation. We believe that adapting to climate impacts should be a priority, focusing on preparation for severe weather events, rising sea levels, and food security challenges.
Businesses require access to climate data to make informed decisions about adaptation. CGM has been working with various stakeholders for years, advocating for the creation of a National Climate Risks Dashboard. Volunteers have started designing this platform, but limited access to data has posed challenges.
We stress that the bill must connect with existing policies, such as carbon capture initiatives and biodiversity protection, and we recognize the key role that land management plays in maintaining carbon storage and fostering long-term environmental stability.
Governance Concerns
Under RUUPIN, NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will have significant authority, which CGM supports but insists must come with greater transparency. We urge the establishment of a clear responsibility framework, especially for high-stakes projects like carbon capture.
CGM also calls for an independent Climate Change Commission funded by the government. This body would monitor progress and ensure accountability in climate action across both government and private sectors. Collaboration among different ministries is crucial for effective climate governance, and we suggest mechanisms that promote coordination with key sectors like finance, energy, and agriculture.
Emissions Management
CGM agrees with RUUPIN’s focus on emissions regulation but points out that mandatory emissions reporting is overdue, particularly for major emitters. We emphasize the inclusion of Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions from supply chains, in reporting requirements.
To clarify reporting obligations, we suggest setting specific emissions thresholds for industries. A National Integrated Climate Data Repository (NICDR) would help make emissions data accessible to the public, which fosters transparency and better decision-making.
For smaller businesses, having standard emissions calculators and reporting tools would simplify the process of measuring and reducing emissions.
Boosting Resilience and Adaptation
Given Malaysia’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, integrating adaptation strategies into RUUPIN is essential. We advocate for investing in weather infrastructure, satellite technology, and early warning systems to improve disaster readiness.
It’s important to conduct thorough climate risk assessments to identify at-risk areas and guide resilient policies in urban planning, coastal management, and agriculture. We also propose creating structured compensation systems for communities impacted by climate disasters and emphasize incorporating resilience strategies into wider economic policies.
Sarawak and Sabah’s Importance
CGM recognizes the critical environmental role of Sabah and Sarawak, given their rich biodiversity and significant carbon sinks. It’s vital that these regions have equal representation in national climate decisions to address their unique issues. Dedicated climate funding is crucial, as is creating region-specific carbon market mechanisms to keep them competitive within emissions trading systems.
Carbon Market Strategies
RUUPIN mentions Emissions Trading Schemes and Voluntary Carbon Markets, but CGM suggests exploring a carbon tax to improve market effectiveness. Any funds generated from carbon pricing should be used solely for climate action and adaptation efforts.
To combat the risk of carbon credit greenwashing, we advocate for strict compliance with global offset standards and robust protections for carbon sinks to prevent misuse in conservation efforts.
Protecting Natural Resources
CGM strongly supports stricter protections for forests, peatlands, and mangroves. We advocate for reduced deforestation through legal measures and commitment to policies that prevent exploitation of these crucial areas.
This approach aligns with the National Physical Plan, which aims to safeguard marine coastlines while designating specific zones for economic activities.
Stricter licensing for resource extraction is needed, ensuring that logging and mining comply with environmental assessments. Improved land use planning that balances forestry and agriculture will be essential for maximizing carbon storage and biodiversity.
Improving Data Transparency
Access to climate data should be democratized. While we support establishing the NICDR, it must be transparent and accessible to all, including researchers and businesses. The National Climate Risks Dashboard aims to consolidate and visualize climate risk data, but we need to overcome challenges in accessing reliable datasets.
We endorse the push for open access to climate risk data in RUUPIN, advocating for it to be available to everyone involved in climate action, from policymakers to local communities. Sharing data across government agencies is crucial for effective policy-making and risk assessment.
Climate Finance Strategies
CGM supports the development of a national climate fund funded by diverse sources, including carbon pricing and private investments. Importantly, some of this fund should assist communities affected by climate disasters. Transparent management of the fund is essential to ensure accountability.
Aligning Malaysia’s climate finance with global best practices will help strengthen our efforts, including working with the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.
Ensuring Compliance
For RUUPIN to work effectively, strong compliance mechanisms are vital. We advocate for significant penalties for those who fail to meet emissions targets or break environmental laws. Emissions reporting should be mandatory at the facility level to improve oversight.
Officials responsible for climate policy should be accountable for achieving national targets, including protecting carbon sinks. We suggest establishing an independent oversight body, like the Climate Change Commission, to ensure rigorous monitoring and compliance.
Final Thoughts
CGM acknowledges RUUPIN’s intentions but stresses the need for enhancements to ensure meaningful climate action. Addressing gaps in governance, emissions accountability, resilience planning, and data transparency is essential for the bill’s success.
With the right regulatory framework and inclusive practices, RUUPIN could pave the way for transformative climate governance in Malaysia.
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