PUTRAJAYA – A total of 150 local authorities received the Low Carbon Cities Catalyst Grant (GeRAK) worth RM250,000 each last year to empower high-impact low-carbon city initiatives.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the grant, which was launched in April 2021, sets the direction and approach in line with the concept of low-carbon cities that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“(The local authorities’) response to GeRAK is very encouraging, and God willing, we (the government) will continue providing this grant,” he told a press conference after officiating the pre-launch ceremony of the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2023, here today.
GeRAK was launched on April 6, 2021, involving an allocation of RM35 million. The grant prioritises local authorities implementing the Low-Carbon Cities Framework and the Low-Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge in the Low-Carbon Zone category.
On IGEM 2023 which carries the theme “Race Towards Net Zero: Leadership for Climate Action” and will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from October 4 to 6, Nik Nazmi said the government aims to secure at least RM4 billion in business prospects through the three-day event.
“This target is set based on the successful implementation of previous IGEM editions. Last year, we managed to bring in RM4.25 billion in business prospects with the attendance of 33,150 visitors,” he said.
IGEM is an annual trade event for green technologies and eco-solutions organised by Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corp, an agency under the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry. – Bernama, February 7, 2023
