KUALA LUMPUR: Policies on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships must be robust and encompass the different status and capacities of vulnerable states, says the Transport Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said nation-building and global sustainable shipping under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are vital.
“Malaysia aims to achieve collectively greater heights in this area, by adopting an inclusive approach to bring all nations towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Malaysia believes prioritising environmental sustainability and responding appropriately to the global climate issue, within the SDG2030 context, will build a strong foundation towards sustainable shipping.
“IMO-Norway Green Voyage 2050 (GV2050) is a global partnership to support developing countries in meeting their commitment towards relevant climate change and energy efficiency goals.
“GV2050 has a goal to achieve at least a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by 2050 compared to 2008,” he said at the Malaysia International Maritime Organisation 50 years’ celebration event at a hotel here yesterday.
Dr Wee added that Malaysia announced its participation in the GV2050 last month and is prepared to actively contribute and participate in this endeavour in line with its laws and policies towards the successful implementation of this project.
“Another important issue under the purview of the IMO is to ensure seafarers’ rights and well-being are protected.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary and unprecedented challenges and pressures on seafarers, and yet this group of frontliners has helped to ensure our economies continue to function unhindered,” he said.
Through the Transport Ministry, he said Malaysia has been working tirelessly to ensure that seafarers’ rights are protected, and the process on crew changes and medical treatment they deserve are given accordingly.
He added that Malaysia had contributed ￡25,000 (RM140,181.66) to support seafarers on the front line of Covid-19 through IMO initiatives.
Malaysia also announced its candidature for election to the IMO Council (Category C) for the 2022-2023 biennium on March 4 this year and is keen to continue its constructive, proactive and positive engagement within the organisation, mainly through its membership on the Council, the minister said.
“Malaysia acceded to the IMO Convention on June 12, 1971, and became the 69th member state of the IMO.
“Malaysia has and will continue to uphold the core responsibility of complying with and upholding the IMO instruments to which we have agreed,” he added.
Dr Wee also said Malaysia has acceded to 26 out of 58 IMO Conventions to date, in keeping with the spirit of ensuring that safety, security of shipping and the protection of the marine environment are given priority both locally and regionally.
He said Malaysia takes its role as Flag State, Port State and Coastal State seriously, applying the necessary steps in ensuring an effective legal, policy and institutional framework that enables the nation to carry out its responsibilities at the fullest of its capabilities.