Sustainability by Defossilization: From Global Insights to a Closer Look at Malaysia

Abstract

The overarching goal of global energy decarbonization, envisioned to combat climate change, should be coupled with material defossilization, which is just as crucial to target waste accumulation and fossil fuel depletion. While Malaysia is faced with the burdens of improving the nation’s livelihood and economic productivity as a developing country, the Malaysian government and private sectors have persisted in their unwavering commitment to sustainable initiatives. Blessed with not only abundant fossil reserves but also diverse biomass resources, Malaysia shows ideal prospects in streamlining the transition from fossil-based material to biomass-based material derivations. However, the absence of well-defined policies and regulations has led to fragmented efforts and retarded progress. Objectively, this perspective underscored essential components for developing countries such as Malaysia, to facilitate advancement towards a developed and high-income status, while upholding principles of sustainability at its core. This includes defining clear priorities for high-value bio-based products, constructing green supporting infrastructure, strengthening vocational training, providing financial support, and implementing supply-demand pricing regulations.