Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP) 2017-2030.

This Green Technology Master Plan, derived from the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (2016-2020), is a comprehensive nationwide blueprint. It establishes a framework for integrating green technology into Malaysia's planned developments and provides actionable strategic directions to support the National Green Technology Policy. The document marks the country's first unified effort to promote green technology across vital economic sectors, with the primary objectives of (i) fostering a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy; (ii) fostering a mindset and behavioral shift towards a greener lifestyle at all levels; (iii) instilling sustainability in key economic sectors to mitigate environmental harm; (iv) reaffirming the government's commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem for green technology development, transitioning from technology adoption to technology production. The GTMP focuses on six key sectors, namely Energy, Manufacturing, Transportation, Building, Waste, and Water, and attempts to harmonize the policy directions of each sector towards a common goal of sustainable utilization of natural resources. The green technology goals established for each of these sectors will be progressively realized and fine-tuned in the policies and actions developed in every 5-year National Development Plan period.
The Master Plan outlines four key strategic directions for promoting green technology adoption in Malaysia (1) Government leadership through green procurement criteria and adopting green technology-based practices across its operations. This approach is expected to influence markets and encourage sustainable production and consumption patterns; (2) integrating green technology into markets by promoting informed purchasing decisions driven by environmental awareness. This involves partnerships between the government, manufacturers, and retailers to boost market confidence in green technology products and services; (3) promoting research and development through a transition from importing foreign technologies to creating intellectual property through research, development, and commercialization efforts; (4) development of Human Capital will be at the basis of the success of the Master Plan, developing a skilled workforce capable of pursuing innovation and excellence. Human capital development is emphasized across key sectors to support the plan's implementation.
The following sectors will be affected (i) the energy sector, through resource diversification, technology investment, and addressing governance. Initiatives target electricity efficiency and transition to market-based energy generation, with recommendations to embrace disruptive technologies like distributed generation, microgrids, and electric vehicles; (ii) the manufacturing sector, primarily composed of SMEs (95%), shall undergo green initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Due to the sector's diversity, there are required solutions and recommendations involving transitioning to a circular economy for resource efficiency and material savings; (iii) the transport sector, with initiatives aiming to implement green technology in land, aviation, and maritime transport for energy efficiency and reduced emissions. Challenges include governance coordination, affordability of energy-efficient vehicles, and market confidence, with recommendations to boost public transportation demand and provide information on mobility options; (iv) the building sector, to advance in sustainable construction and green buildings, with initiatives like green ratings and materials. Recommendations include standardizing tools, promoting waste reduction, and increasing recycled materials in construction; (v) the waste sector, aiming to reduce waste and promote waste recovery, primarily by raising public awareness to change consumption habits. Recommendations emphasize R&D, waste minimization, safer disposal, resource recovery, and waste-to-energy technologies; (vi) the water sector, including Government initiatives targeting the entire water cycle, promoting a closed water loop, efficient products, and R&D. Challenges include funding, slow industry shift, and inadequate technology use, with recommendations emphasizing technology adoption, improved treatment, and a closed water loop.
Within the sectors above, the NGTP outlines five strategic thrusts with the aim to (i) strengthen the institutional framework; (ii) provide a conducive environment for green technology development; (iii) intensify human capital development in green technology; (iv) intensify green technology research and innovations; (v) promotion and public awareness.