THE nation aims to position itself as a regional leader in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) by forging bilateral agreements with foreign nations — a move expected to drive investment inflows and offset the cost of developing industrial CCUS hub infrastructure, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the government’s collaborations with countries such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan would help establish Malaysia as a CCUS hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
“This will in turn pave the way for new business opportunities, including the provision of permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage services,” she said, responding to a question from Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN–Mersing).
Hanifah Hajar added that a pilot project on CO2 capture will be implemented in the iron and steel industry in Kemaman, Terengganu, serving as a reference point to assess CCUS potential as part of wider industrial carbon integration efforts.
“The government also plans to develop CCUS hubs in strategic locations to build a complete ecosystem that can generate economic spillover benefits in those areas,” she said.
Malaysia possesses an estimated carbon storage capacity of 13.3 gigatonnes, among the largest in the region, which could also accommodate CO2 captured from foreign sources. Importing carbon dioxide from other countries, she added, would help offset the high cost of developing CCUS hub infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Hanifah Hajar reaffirmed that the Central Database Hub (PADU) remains active and continues to serve as a key reference for government agencies in assessing the need for targeted subsidies.
She refuted claims that PADU had become inactive following the resignation of former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in May.
“To date, 204 agencies have implemented continuous data sharing and integration with PADU, including the National Registration Department (JPN), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), Ministry of Education (KPM) and the Immigration Department,” she said.
“Comprehensive and up-to-date PADU data enables government agencies to design policies and programmes that meet the needs of targeted groups. This allows implementing agencies to ensure that assistance reaches only those who are truly eligible,” she told the House, responding to Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN–Bagan Serai).
As of 31 October, 17 applications have been approved for PADU data use to support policy formulation and programme planning, including the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel subsidy initiative. Other approved agencies include the Ministry of Works, the National Digital Department, the Department of Higher Education (JPT) and the Department of Skills Development (JPK).
Hanifah Hajar said the government will continue to enhance data sharing among agencies in line with the forthcoming Data Sharing Act 2025 and the Public Sector Data Sharing Implementation Guidelines.
“The government, through the Economy Ministry, is continuously refining PADU’s processes and procedures, including strengthening data security and quality, to ensure that data sharing is conducted with integrity and produces more accurate analyses,” she said. - November 3, 2025
