MALAYSIA and Japan have jointly proposed the establishment of a new cross-sectoral energy cooperation centre, to be set up locally, to drive deeper regional collaboration in technology, sustainability, and energy integration within ASEAN.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal aligns with Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and reflects the country’s commitment to leading the region toward a low-carbon future.
“We welcome Japan’s technical support and advanced research capabilities, including through initiatives such as the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), particularly to fast-track the implementation of Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) on a large scale,” he said in a post on Facebook.
“Japan, with its technological capabilities and deep expertise in renewable energy, bioenergy, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), has emerged as a key partner in Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional hub for sustainable energy innovation,” Anwar added.
The proposal was among several matters discussed during Anwar’s meeting with a special envoy representing former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Anwar expressed confidence that expanding links between the industrial, policy and research sectors in both countries would help accelerate energy transition goals, foster innovation, and enhance regional economic resilience.
“This is the time to work towards empowering the economy for a sustainable legacy for future generations,” he said.
Calm and Strategic Leadership on US Tariff Issue Praised
Separately, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak commended Anwar and the MADANI government for their measured and balanced approach in handling recent US tariff issues while safeguarding national interests.
Speaking at a press conference on Malaysia’s ASEAN-BAC 2025 initiatives, Nazir noted that unlike some countries that reacted hastily or aggressively, Malaysia’s strategy involved engaging with Washington to better understand the distinction between rhetoric and reality in US policy.
“Malaysia then returned to the drawing board to plan its strategy — and that is what we are doing now. We might revisit and renegotiate. That is the right approach,” he said.
When asked about US calls for Malaysia to ease non-tariff barriers such as halal certification, Nazir acknowledged that the issue was a long-standing one across ASEAN.
“There is a strong link between tariff reductions and a rise in non-tariff barriers. At last count, there were about 9,642 non-tariff measures across ASEAN,” he said.
Nazir added that ASEAN’s challenge lies in the absence of a clear enforcement mechanism to reduce such barriers, despite widespread frustration among private sector players.
He pointed to the “ASEAN Assist” online system that allows businesses to report unjustified non-tariff measures, but noted its usage remains low due to scepticism about whether any action will follow.
“This is why tackling non-tariff barriers must be a priority for ASEAN,” he said. - May 6, 2025
