KUCHING: The Federal Government plans to expedite the introduction of carbon-related legislation in Malaysia, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

       He said he would call a coordination meeting of Federal ministries and agencies after Hari Raya to discuss the matter.

       "We want to expedite the introduction of a law not only on renewable energy but importantly carbon, including carbon trading, carbon credits and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

       "The National Energy Council has discussed this and the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has agreed that the process should be expedited," he told reporters when met at Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's Hari Raya open house here on Wednesday (April 10).

       ALSO READ: Malaysia in sweet spot as CCUS hub (https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/04/09/malaysia-in-sweet-spot-as-ccus-hub)

       Fadillah said Sarawak had already approved a carbon law in the state legislative assembly and was ready for carbon trading in terms of legislation, regulations and systems.

       However, he said this was still lacking at national level.

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       "This is why we will call a meeting and use Sarawak's law as the basis for us to develop legislation at Federal level.

       "If it can be expedited, then carbon trading, carbon credits and CCUS can proceed," he said.

       In November, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Bill to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, promote CCUS and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

       Meanwhile, Fadillah also conveyed Aidilfitri greetings and called on all Malaysians to continue celebrating festive occasions together.

       "Let us maintain our unity so that we can live together in peace and harmony and achieve success as a nation," he said.