KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to be a carbon-neutral country by the year 2050, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Prime Minister said to support this effort, economic instruments such as carbon pricing and carbon tax will be introduced.

       "Other details for carbon reduction measures will be announced after the strategic long-term review of the low-carbon development strategies has been finalised by the end of 2022," he said while tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan in Parliament on Monday (Sept 27).

       The Prime Minister also pledged that the government will no longer build new coal-fired power plants.

       He added that a comprehensive National Energy Policy will soon be introduced to provide a long-term strategic direction to support the aspirations of a carbon-neutral nation.

       "Cleaner electricity generation will be implemented through the operation of several gas power plants in Peninsular Malaysia to replace coal-fired power plants," he added.