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Sustainable development Sustainable development of the energy sector is important in ensuring the competitiveness of the economy, particularly the industrial, transport and commercial sectors. Efforts will continue to be undertaken to manage finite and renewable energy resources to cater for the demands of a rapidly growing economy. The main thrust will be to ensure adequate, secure, quality and cost-effective supply of energy, promote its efficient utilization and minimize negative impacts on the environment. Development of the oil and gas subsectors is expected to undergo a major shift. Based on the present oil reserves and the current rate of production and utilization, Malaysia is expected to become a net importer of oil by 2008. In order to increase stock, efforts will focus on deep-sea exploration locally and prospecting for oil resources overseas. As the availability of gas in Peninsular Malaysia is expected to increase during the Plan period, there will be an increase in the utilization of gas by the power sector. However, an optimal generation mix will be determined to ensure system security and reliability. At the same time, the utilization of gas by the non-power sector, such as the transport sector as well as petrochemical industries, will be intensified. Industries and services Efforts will be intensified to promote the development of domestic energy-related industries and services. In promoting higher local content in the energy sector, the Entrepreneur Development Programmes and the Vendor Development Programmes undertaken by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), respectively, will be intensified. These efforts will contribute towards promoting Malaysia as a regional centre for energy-related engineering services. Major companies, like PETRONAS, TNB and independent power producers will be urged to expand their participation in energy-related industries and services in other countries. Environmental concerns The Government will continue to take appropriate actions to keep the balance between growth objectives and environmental concerns. Environmental considerations will increasingly be integrated into development planning taking into account the population’s socio-economic needs as well as the enhancement of the quality of life. To strengthen the empirical base for environmental decision-making, steps will be taken to introduce environmental performance standards and environmental data on a sectoral and cross-sectoral basis. Existing legislative framework for environmental protection will be further complemented by the use of market-based instruments to encourage the adoption and development of environmentally sound technologies and environment-friendly products. The
major environmental and natural resource concerns include improving
air and water quality, efficient management of solid waste and toxic
and industrial waste, developing a healthy urban environment and
the conservation of natural habitats and resources. |
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Energy
Resources Section, Environment and Development Division,
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
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