KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Asia Zero Emission Community members to strengthen their technical and financial collaboration in accelerating ASEAN Power Grid integration.
Speaking at the 3rd AZEC Leaders’ Meeting, the ASEAN Chairman emphasised the platform’s crucial role in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation for clean energy transition.
Anwar stated that Malaysia deeply resonates with AZEC’s principle of one goal with various pathways for national energy transition approaches.
He highlighted that ASEAN power grid development complements national efforts toward achieving long-term energy security and climate ambitions.
The meeting occurred alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as co-chair.
Other ASEAN leaders and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended the gathering.
Anwar outlined Malaysia’s measures to strengthen climate governance and accelerate energy transition toward a low-carbon economy.
He noted the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Act 2025 establishes legal foundations for large-scale carbon management.
The forthcoming National Climate Change Bill represents another key component of Malaysia’s climate strategy.
Malaysia plans to introduce a carbon tax in 2026, signalling a clear shift from ambition to implementation.
The Prime Minister welcomed continued financing for investments in low-carbon technologies.
AZEC launched in 2023 and currently includes eleven partner countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Member nations comprise Japan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits convene at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.
The three-day event gathers more than 3,000 delegates from over 30 countries and organisations.
This year’s summit theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” aims to strengthen regional engagement and cooperation. – Bernama
