Green growth towards a low carbon economy

Dato' Yahya Abdul Jabar, Malaysian ambassador to the UAE, told Gulf News in a recent interview that Malaysia has given the mandate to promote sustainable development through the adoption of green technologies in the various economic sectors. Malaysia has done this by pushing for a low-carbon economy through the launching of the National Green Technology Policy in 2009 which served as a springboard for the people of Malaysia to enjoy a good quality of life. Jabar said that the global community is confronted with challenges related to the environment and climate change. The transformation of Malaysia's economy to a low-carbon economy can be viewed as a strategic move to promote green technology as an engine of growth. This can help drive innovation and create employment in the country. "As a result, many countries are promoting sustainable development by investing in green technology in the form of cleaner, low-carbon transport and energy systems, "smart" electricity grids, energy efficiency, renewable energy as well as in green research and development (R&D)," the ambassador said.