National Low Carbon Cities Masterplan.

This National Low Carbon Cities Masterplan is a comprehensive document aiming to guide the implementation of low-carbon developments and initiatives across Malaysian cities and to transform these cities into low-carbon entities. This overarching goal is achieved through the following objectives (i) reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by establishing absolute carbon reduction targets (e.g., for 2021–2050) and setting cities on a path toward achieving the national ambition of net-zero GHG emissions as early as 2050; (ii) provide a Strategic Framework comprising 9 Key Directions and 24 Key Actions to systematically address policy, governance, finance, planning, and capacity needs for low-carbon development; (iii) integrate Low-Carbon Policy and Planning into existing and new urban planning and development documents, ensuring a systematic, area-wide approach to climate action; (iv) strengthen implementation removing barriers, strengthening the institutional framework, and implementing mechanism at all levels of government to effectively execute low-carbon strategies; (v) foster Sustainable Urban Development for holistic and inclusive growth, balancing economic prosperity and quality of life with environmental sustainability and resilience.
The NLCCM uses a 3M Approach - Measurement, Management, and Mitigation - to transform Malaysian cities into major players in climate change mitigation. A low-carbon city is defined as a city that implements low-carbon strategies to meet its environmental, social, and economic needs. The city measures, manages, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions to reduce its contribution to climate change. Essentially, low-carbon cities are defined as cities with specific strategies, plans, and targets on how to reduce GHG emissions that cover all potential emitting sectors within the city boundary. The 3M Approach consists of three core actions (1) measurement: cities must establish a baseline inventory of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and conduct periodic monitoring. This is essential for assessing and tracking climate change efforts, evaluating the effectiveness of potential mitigation policies, and making long-term emission projections necessary for setting targets; (2) management: this involves the planning and governance of low-carbon development through establishing policies, targets, and planning. Cities must develop and regularly update comprehensive strategies and action plans to guide the implementation of local mitigation measures systematically; (3) mitigation: this is the design and implementation of programs and projects specifically intended to reduce GHG emissions. Mitigation refers to the concrete measures and actions taken to achieve the planned reductions. While adaptation is not a direct component of the core 3M Approach, it can be integrated with mitigation efforts to build a more resilient city. A total of 33 local and regional governments were designated as Target Cities based on their population size.
The NLCCM, to ensure broader support, adds a fourth area of interventions aimed at increasing community participation in low-carbon development through effective communication and education to foster sustainable behavioral changes. Critical enablers include (i) providing funding and financing through creating specific low carbon development funds and alternative financing mechanisms; (ii) investing and building capacity to act by developing dedicated officers and nurturing expertise at local levels; (iii) improving low carbon information and data management by establishing efficient data collection and central online reporting systems; (iv) measuring low carbon performance using standardized tools. Finally, a key action involves developing citywide and sectoral development strategies on low carbon in areas such as energy, transportation, waste, and spatial planning.