Kuala lumpur: The tabling of Malaysia's Climate Change Bill is anticipated to be delayed to facilitate direct and thorough engagement with business entities and associations. Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, tasked with the responsibilities of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, emphasized the importance of industry players fully understanding the act's implications, including the introduction of a carbon tax.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari stressed the necessity of engaging with business entities to ensure they comprehend the reasons behind the act, which aims to benefit the economy in the long run. "At the end of the day, if the business community doesn't understand why we do this, it's actually for the benefit of the economy going forward," he noted. Johari, who also serves as a Plantation and Commodities Minister, addressed reporters after delivering his keynote speech at the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Conference at the Securities Commission.

The conference was attended by prominent figures such as Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Securities Commission Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, and Dutch Ambassador to Malaysia, Jacques Werner. Johari assured that the engagement process would be conducted swiftly and would not hinder Malaysia's commitments under the Paris Agreement.

In his address, Johari highlighted that the proposed bill, known as Rang Undang Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara (RUUPIN), aims to enshrine mitigation and adaptation measures into law. He indicated that the bill will drive the development of a domestic carbon market and support alignment with Malaysia's Net-Zero and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.

Johari concluded by emphasizing the importance of preparing for climate change impacts while striving to meet the country's NDC targets through necessary mitigation steps.