Take Action Now: How Malaysia’s BTR1 is Transforming the Built Environment for Climate Change Solutions – BusinessToday

By Zahiruddin Fitri Abu Hassan

On May 6, 2025, Malaysia made a significant step in fighting climate change by releasing its First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). This report outlines the nation’s emissions, strategies to cut them, and progress made towards climate goals under the Paris Agreement. One key focus is on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This technology is essential for limiting emissions from industries, power production, and buildings.

Just a few weeks prior, on March 25, Malaysia passed the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Bill 2025—the first law of its kind in the country. This act provides a comprehensive framework for managing CO₂ throughout its lifecycle. Together, BTR1 and the CCUS Act mark a new chapter in Malaysia’s climate initiatives. However, policies are just one part of the puzzle. Real change happens through practical implementation, where research plays a vital role.

Our Mineral Carbonation Research

At Universiti Malaya, we are exploring a project called Mineral Carbonation for Carbon Capture and Utilization in Malaysian Basalt Formation and Concrete. Our aim is to capture CO₂ and turn it into a stable form by using basalt, a volcanic rock. This material can then be integrated into concrete products.

The project is divided into three main phases:

Phase 1: Dr. Hijaz Kamal Hasnan leads a team that studies the mineral potential of Malaysian basalt from Segamat to absorb CO₂. These rocks contain minerals that react with CO₂ to create stable carbonates. Our tests confirm that these basalts are well-suited for this process.

Phase 2: Dr. Muhd Ridha Muhamad is building a custom reactor chamber. This reactor helps us optimize conditions like temperature and pressure, which are crucial for speeding up the carbonation process.

Phase 3: My team focuses on creating concrete from the carbonated basalt. We are developing various concrete materials, including aggregates and substitutes for cement. Initially, we’re exploring non-structural uses like pedestrian pavers and curbs.

This research has a dual benefit: it removes carbon from the atmosphere and embeds it in construction materials, creating a long-lasting carbon sink as infrastructure is built.

Why Concrete Matters for Climate

Cement accounts for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Every ton of cement produced leads to a ton of CO₂ released. Imagine using concrete that could instead store carbon! With mineral carbonation, CO₂ reacts with minerals in basalt, forming stable carbonates that can remain locked within concrete for decades or even centuries. Using carbonated basalt as a cement substitute not only reduces carbon emissions but also cuts down on energy use during cement production.

Local Resources, Global Goals

Malaysia is rich in basalt and by-products like fly ash, which can be reused in carbonation. Our research uses local materials and existing production methods, offering a cost-effective solution. This aligns perfectly with the goals in BTR1: reducing emissions in challenging sectors and promoting circular economy models. With the CCUS Act in place, our research can eventually transition into pilot implementations, making a real impact in the construction sector, which is often seen as a laggard in climate action.

Looking Ahead

This August, Malaysia will host the APAC CCUS Conference (August 26–27 in Kuala Lumpur), bringing together experts, policymakers, and innovators in carbon capture. We’re excited to share our findings and contribute to a shared dialogue on climate solutions. In this new era, even common materials like concrete can lead to remarkable change.

Learn more about advances in carbon capture technologies.

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