Breaking Out of Carbon Lock-In: Malaysia’s Path to Decarbonization

Abstract

Malaysia has made an ambitious commitment to reduce the intensity of its carbon emissions, notably a 40% reduction (compared to 2005 levels) by 2020 and a 45% reduction (compared to 2005 levels) by 2030. As with other developing countries, Malaysia's challenge is to decarbonize its energy-centric economy in the face of population growth pressures and substantial levels of poverty. Drawing on extensive interviews with both public and private stakeholders, we examine how Malaysia has launched its transition to a decarbonized development path. Based on our multiyear analysis, we identify key breakout factors, including behavioral transformations, institutional shifts, and action by a broad network of actors that have allowed Malaysia to begin decarbonizing its economy. At the same time, we note that federal-state friction, limited government capacity, the absence of a centralized management agency, the lack of international funding, incipient environmental awareness, and numerous barriers to investment in renewable energy reinforce carbon lock-in. Our analysis suggests ways in which other rapidly developing countries can learn from Malaysia's initial successes and challenges.

Moderating effects of personal innovativeness and driving experience on factors influencing adoption of BEVs in Malaysia: An integrated SEM–BSEM approach

“…The aim was to promote the use of renewable energies in power plants, promoting public transportation, and inspiring the usage of sustainable technologies. According to the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is projected to decrease by more than 40 percent by 2030 by the successful implementation of the Green Technology Master Plan (Susskind et al, 2020). In 2016 the Malaysian government announced its plan to promote battery electric vehicles in the country (Susskind et al, 2020).…”

“…According to the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is projected to decrease by more than 40 percent by 2030 by the successful implementation of the Green Technology Master Plan (Susskind et al, 2020). In 2016 the Malaysian government announced its plan to promote battery electric vehicles in the country (Susskind et al, 2020). An essential advantage of BEVs is to improve the quality of life in terms of environment and health, which especially in urban areas will lead to sustainable transportation enhancement (Pita et al, 2020).…”

“…According to Anderson and Anderson (2010), for more than a century, the notion of electric vehicles has been of interest to many countries they are being more marketable worldwide. Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) is one of the main greenhouse gases worldwide and specifically in Malaysia (Susskind et al, 2020). Electric Vehicles are introducing as a solution for environmental problems such as increasing the concentration of Carbon Dioxide and additional environmental issues.…”

The impact of public policy marketing, institutional narratives and discourses on renewable energy consumption in a developing economy

“…As a nation, Malaysia is committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and this is “reflected in its Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, i.e. to reduce its emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 (relative to its emissions intensity per unit of GDP in 2005), with 10% of this goal contingent upon international assistance” (Susskind et al , 2020). Not unlike most nations, Malaysia is transitioning to renewable energy to achieve the goal.…”

A Systematic Literature Review on Vehicle-Purchasing Behaviour

“…The World Economic Forum (2019) reported that developed countries like the United States and Europe have less than 3 percent of electric vehicles and this figure is even lower in other regions. The slow uptake of electric vehicles is mainly explained by behavioral transformation (Susskind et al, 2020). As the emissions are contributed from daily individual activities, the repercussion from the behavioral choices can be reduced by controlling and shifting such behaviors.…”