MALAYSIA is positioning itself at the forefront of the global tropical carbon economy, with the nation’s tropical crops set to become key instruments in combating climate change while generating shared prosperity, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said at the Tropical Crops Carbon Credit Forum (TCCCF) on Monday.
Addressing a gathering at the Royal Lake Club, Fadillah emphasised that the forum is not merely about carbon markets or economic policy, but about fulfilling a moral and social responsibility to farmers, rural communities, and future generations.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he reminded the audience, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” underlining the forum’s focus on purposeful stewardship of Malaysia’s natural resources.
“Our palm oil, rubber, rice, bamboo, and forest landscapes are not merely economic commodities. They are living carbon sinks, capable of capturing emissions, restoring soils, and rejuvenating ecosystems,” he said.
“If managed sustainably, they can transform Malaysia into a global leader in the tropical carbon economy — a leader not just in production, but in climate resilience, green innovation, and ethical stewardship.”
Fadillah outlined key government initiatives, including the National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK), designed to operationalise Malaysia’s Paris Agreement commitments and drive the nation towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
The policy will strengthen the Bursa Carbon Exchange, integrate carbon markets with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and related legislation, and lay the groundwork for domestic compliance mechanisms such as carbon taxes and emissions trading.
He also highlighted the forthcoming National Climate Change Bill, or RUUPIN, which will ensure the integrity of carbon credits, guaranteeing that every tonne traded represents a real and measurable environmental impact.
“This is governance with purpose. This is leadership with clarity. This is Malaysia stepping into the global arena with confidence,” Fadillah said.
The forum, themed “Sequestering Carbon, Securing Livelihoods,” brought together experts, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance science-driven solutions and green financing models.
Fadillah emphasised the importance of collaboration across government, academia, financial institutions, global partners, and the private sector to tailor solutions to Malaysia’s biodiversity, soils, and social fabric.
“Let us build a Malaysia where tropical crops are not seen as commodities alone — but as living assets that anchor climate resilience, generate new wealth, and uplift future generations. A Malaysia where farmers thrive, industries innovate, and ecosystems heal,” he said, concluding with a reminder from the Hadith:
“The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as stewards over it.”
Fadillah’s address framed the forum as a launching point for a national movement, linking sustainable agriculture, climate accountability, and community prosperity as inseparable elements of Malaysia’s vision for a resilient and green future. - November 24, 2025
