BEIJING: Malaysia is pushing for the use of green technology in the transport sector to promote energy sufficiency and reduce carbon emission, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said this was in line with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and achieving its goal of becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2050.

       “Covid-19 allows us to re-focus on sustainability and reduce the effects of global warming for a green transport ecosystem,” he said at the Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference here on Friday night (Oct 15).

       Dr Wee, who is currently on a working visit to London, was participating in the three-day conference virtually.

       While sharing Malaysia’s experience in sustainable transport, poverty eradication and economic recovery from Covid-19, Dr Wee said the country has pledged to increase the adoption of electric vehicles.

       He also encouraged those in the transport industry, which had been greatly impacted by the coronavirus, to seek alternative income in the p-hailing sector.

       The Second UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference, held in the Chinese capital from Thursday to Saturday (Oct 14 to 16), is aimed at achieving sustainable transport worldwide.

       It is also a follow-up to the first conference in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan five years ago.

       During his stay in London, Dr Wee had meetings with leaders from the International Chamber of Shipping as well as the Baltic and International Maritime Council, among others.