Article: PM: Green tech to be the new driver for economic growth

Saturday July 25, 2009

By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN

BANGI: The National Green Technology Policy is set to play an important role in charting the country's development where green technology will be the new driver for economic growth.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the policy would include the setting up of a legislative and regulatory framework that would support development of green technologies and promote a culture of resource use optimisation.

The policy seeks to promote low-carbon technology and ensure sustainable development while conserving the natural environment and resources.

He said green technology offered opportunities and potential in economic regeneration, innovation, wealth creation and high-paying job opportunities.

"It can create a revolutionary impact on our lives and reduce Malaysia's carbon footprint while enhancing environmental sustainability," he said during the roll-out of the policy yesterday.

Najib also opened the green energy office of the Malaysia Energy Centre head office here.

He added that the policy would create opportunities for new green businesses, including the manufacturing of "green products".

The five objectives include decreasing energy consumption while enhancing economic development and facilitatating growth of the green technology industry and enhancing its contribution to the national economy.

It also seeks to increase innovation in green technology development and enhance Malaysia's green technology competitiveness globally besides ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

The policy will also enhance public education and awareness about green technology and encourage its use in everyone's daily lives.

A Green Technology Council will also be established to facilitate the role of stakeholders for the successful implementation of the green technology roadmap.

It will be chaired by Najib and, alternately, by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

At a press conference later, Najib said the Government was studying incentives for the private sector that adopts green technology.

On promoting solar energy usage, Najib said the equipment needed to do so was expensive, but that the Government would continue its development.

On plans to set up a nuclear power plant in Malaysia, Najib said nuclear energy was not considered to be against green technology as long as it was deemed safe.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation, 25 July 2009