By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The Selangor government will align its policies to national aspirations of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, said state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han.
He added that this effort includes the newly announced carbon tax and improved incentives in Budget 2025, which was tabled Friday, to promote the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Ng reiterated the state’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions and the importance of inter-agency cooperation to realise the goal.
“The use of EVs and achieving net-zero carbon emissions is the direction the state is taking, too. We will work closely with relevant ministries and assist the (federal) government in this effort,” Ng told the press after the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) 2024 awards ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday.
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State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han speaks during the Selangor Life Sciences Convention Synergy Conferences, held as part of the Second Series of the Selangor International Business Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, on October 17, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Following an announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about introducing a carbon tax on the iron, steel, and energy industries by 2026, Ng said the state will engage with industry players to address challenges they may face during the transition.
The tax is aimed at encouraging the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
Additionally, Anwar announced plans to improve tax incentives to support complete knock-down projects as part of the transition to EVs.
In Budget 2025, Anwar also announced a new investment incentive framework, including a strategic investment fund worth RM1 billion aimed at enhancing the capacity of local talent and encouraging high-value activities in the country.
This includes enhancing the diversification of the electrical and electronics sector through high-value activities such as integrated circuit (IC) design services and advanced materials, while tax incentives to boost exports will be expanded to include IC design.
The SAP awards ceremony was held under the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention 2024 in conjunction with the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2024.
Other major events under SIBS include the Selangor International Expo (Food and Beverage) and the Selangor Life Sciences Convention.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tables Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur on October 18, 2024. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
