KUCHING: The suggestion for carbon trading to be placed under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Plantation and Commodity is being discussed with the federal government.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that presently matters pertaining to carbon are under the purview of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.
“As I have mentioned before, carbon (credit) is a commodity for trading. That is why in Malaysia, there is carbon trading under Bursa Malaysia.
“This also means that, under the United Nations (UN), carbon (credit) is a commodity. Hence, I suggested that matters on carbon be put under the Commodity Ministry led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.”
He said this to reporters when met during the Gedong District Hari Raya open house at the Datuk Patinggi Ali Hall in Gedong today (Apr 30).
Abang Johari pointed out that the green light for carbon to be placed under the ministry depended on the federal government.
“In my opinion, and from the view of the state government, carbon should be placed under the purview of the Commodity Ministry as it (carbon credit) is a commodity, and not a type of energy.
“Natural oil and gas are examples of hydrocarbons, but this carbon (credit) is a commodity,” he reiterated.
“Plus, under Bursa Malaysia there is an avenue for carbon trading and this means that it is a commodity,” he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Finance and New Economy said Sarawak was ready for carbon trading.
“In terms of carbon, Malaya is not ready, but Sarawak is. That is why I have proposed for carbon trading to be placed under Fadillah’s Ministry so that the country can have an approach on carbon trading based on international laws.
Sarawak is the first to implement carbon trading and carbon storage in Malaysia after it amended the Land Code and Forest Ordinance last year.
