Malaysia has called for stronger regional cooperation to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies while accelerating the transition towards low-carbon energy, amid mounting geopolitical uncertainties and risks of global supply disruptions.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said energy security and sustainability must advance together, with regional partnerships playing a critical role in strengthening supply resilience without compromising economic growth.
Speaking at the Fourth Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Manila on Oct 8, he stressed that a just energy transition must consider public needs, national capabilities and economic priorities.
The meeting brought together 11 AZEC member countries, including Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, to address energy security challenges and accelerate regional decarbonisation.
Discussions focused on strengthening energy supply resilience amid geopolitical tensions, particularly potential disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Member countries also explored voluntarily expanding oil storage capacity according to their respective capabilities, alongside cooperation under the POWERR Asia initiative.
The meeting reaffirmed a collective commitment to tackling climate change, promoting inclusive economic growth and safeguarding energy supplies, while allowing countries to pursue practical transition pathways suited to their national circumstances.
For Malaysia, AZEC cooperation complements the National Energy Transition Roadmap, particularly in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green mobility, infrastructure development and transition financing.
Malaysia also identified opportunities in methane emissions reduction, hydrogen development and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
On the sidelines, Akmal Nasrullah held bilateral discussions with Australia’s Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson, focusing on energy security and gas supplies between the two countries.
Discussions with Japan’s Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Takagi Kei centred on Malaysia’s role in AZEC and potential cooperation in hydrogen and CCUS technologies.
A separate meeting with major Middle Eastern oil producers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, explored cooperation on petroleum supply security strategies.
