In recent years, Malaysia has faced a significant challenge in combating air pollution, particularly in its urban areas, where vehicle emissions have taken a toll on air quality.
In recent years, Malaysia has faced a significant challenge in combating air pollution, particularly in its urban areas, where vehicle emissions have taken a toll on air quality. Despite strides made since the state of emergency in 2005, a closer look reveals that the battle against pollution is far from over.
The most recent annual Air Pollution Index for Malaysia, from 2022, showed some improvement, attributed in part to increased humidity and rain. However, challenges persist, with vehicle smoke, industrial emissions, and land-clearing practices contributing to suboptimal air quality. The nation’s struggle with haze, often stemming from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia, exacerbates the situation.
Of particular concern is the surge in vehicle emissions, a consequence of the growing number of vehicles on Malaysian roads. Urban areas, in particular, are grappling with elevated levels of PM10, inhalable particles known for inducing adverse health effects. The latest data indicates that in 2022, Malaysia’s urban areas recorded the highest levels of PM10 compared to non-urban areas.
According to records from the Road Transport Department Malaysia, there was a 4.5 percent increase in registered motorcycles and a nearly 4 percent increase in cars in 2022 compared to the previous year. Vans also saw an uptick of almost 2 percent. These figures highlight the pressing need for policies to address the escalating issue of vehicle emissions.
Tropospheric ozone (O3), a secondary air pollutant gas primarily released on hot days, is another concern in urban areas. Industrial emissions and motor vehicle exhausts are identified as significant sources. Additionally, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions have been on the rise, mainly due to the increased use of fossil fuels in motor vehicles.
While Malaysia’s air quality is comparatively better than some neighboring countries, there is still cause for concern. The analysis of urban air pollutants reveals that newly registered vehicles in Kuala Lumpur contribute approximately six percent of national emissions. Private cars are identified as the primary source, with emissions of PM10 and CO dominating the landscape.
Notably, Malaysia’s national policies geared toward improving air quality include a target to reduce carbon intensity against GDP by 45 percent by 2030, the Renewable Energy Act, the National Green Technology Policy, the National Energy Efficiency Plan, and the National Policy on Climate Change. The country also pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021.
However, challenges persist, and more proactive measures are needed. Despite lower levels of PM10 and NOx compared to OECD countries, Malaysia’s carbon monoxide emissions are higher than those in Asian countries like Japan and Korea, as well as in other European nations.
Efforts are underway to address these issues, with a focus on the transportation sector. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s membership in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership is seen as a positive step, providing a platform for more intensive, practical, and integrated actions to combat air pollution.
One potential solution lies in adopting green transport initiatives. Incentives, such as tax credits for users of green technologies, including electric vehicles, could drive the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. Successful implementations in other Asian countries and Europe demonstrate the potential impact of such measures.
However, the growth of the electric vehicle industry in Malaysia faces hurdles such as high prices, slow infrastructure implementation, and technological limitations. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for the successful reduction of vehicle-related emissions and the preservation of air quality.
Malaysia stands at a crossroads in its battle against rising vehicle emissions. While existing policies lay a foundation for progress, there is a clear need for more robust and targeted initiatives.
The nation’s commitment to combating climate change, as evidenced by its pledges at COP26, must translate into actionable steps to reduce emissions, particularly from the transportation sector. The implementation of green initiatives and incentives is key to ensuring a sustainable and healthier future for Malaysia’s cities.