Malaysia targets big cuts to carbon intensity
The Malaysian government has set a target to reduce the nation’s carbon intensity against gross domestic product by up to 45% by 2030. Carbon intensity is the volume of carbon emissions per unit of GDP, so reducing carbon intensity means that less pollution is being created per unit of GDP.
Announcing the plan, Hayati Awang, deputy secretary-general of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability ministry (NRES), said the target is in line with the global goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, where climate change awareness is rising globally.
She said the ministry “is giving due to focus to the importance of societal awareness in regard to the profound impact of collective actions on the environment.
“Although Malaysia’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is only 0.69%, the government remains committed to reducing national carbon emissions,” she said at the launch of Carbon Neutral Computing Services (CNCS), jointly organised by Hewlett-Packard (HP) and ICT Zone Asia.
Hayati said the goal is to achieve net-zero GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions while balancing economic needs and public welfare.
“NRES aims to identify and encourage affordable solutions that benefit the masses, even amid economic uncertainties,” she added.
She said the top priorities include the Nationally Determined Contributions Roadmap and Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategies.
“These policies will guide Malaysia towards net-zero GHG emissions, which are designed to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.
Hayati said the widespread use of electronic devices has significantly transformed daily routines and business operations. “Technological revolution has led to a notable increase in electronic waste, where Malaysia must shift its focus from a linear economy to a circular economy to address this growing concern.”
The launch of CNCS, she said, represents a significant step forward, where it aims to balance the carbon emissions generated by information technology devices through energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources and high-quality carbon credits that offset remaining emissions.
Speaking about the initiative, HP Malaysia managing director Alex Tan said the company strived to reduce the overall environmental footprint through this commitment. “This strengthens the company’s business with the most sustainable portfolio of products and solutions in the industry. As of 2023, HP’s carbon footprint was 27% less [than it was in] 2019.”
Under HP’s CNCS, he said, customers have two choices for reducing the carbon footprint associated with personal computers. These are ‘to the door’, where HP PCs are delivered carbon neutrally to customers’ doorsteps, offsetting emissions from manufacturing and transport; or ‘lifecycle’, ensuring PCs remain carbon-neutral throughout their expected lifespan, with HP offsetting emissions from manufacturing and transport.
National Audit Department turns to AI
The Malaysian government has cautiously welcomed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to handle the National Audit Department’s increased workload, following recent amendments to the Audit Act that expands its obligations.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil commented: “We might need AI assistance if it is deemed safe and beneficial. I see an opportunity for us to leverage it there.”
Fadzil said the government also welcomed the use of AI to speed up the preparation of the Auditor General’s report. “In this day and age, why does it take so long to look through the financial reports of different government agencies or departments? We have the report three times a year. So why should we still have to wait so long? Can that process not be faster? Is there a way to use AI to help the Auditor General in her work?” he said.
The minister said the government would be supportive of any potential collaborations between the AI companies in the industry and government agencies, including for the Audit Department.
“By leveraging AI to automate processes such as data entry, application processing, record management, and storage, we can not only save time and resources but also reduce the likelihood of human error.
“If an AI application can meet the needs of the National Audit Department, it could significantly aid in audit processes,” he said.
Fadzil pointed to the utilisation of AI in some Malaysia’s government departments, but said it is not yet widespread.
“In some countries, for example, during my visit to Dubai in October last year, they are leveraging AI for background operations or behind-the-scenes for their tax department,” he said.
Looking forward, he expressed hope that AI experience centres would attract a wide range of stakeholders, from students to public servants, to explore customised applications for different ministries.
