KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, Malaysia is taking a significant step towards a sustainable future. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (Alliance Bank) have successfully hosted the inaugural Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) workshop, a groundbreaking event that brings together industry leaders, and an environmental expert from Riverstone Environmental Sdn. Bhd. to explore the potential of CBAM in revolutionising sustainable industrial practices.

CBAM is a carbon border tax designed to address the growing concern of carbon leakage by putting a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods entering European Union (EU) countries. This innovative mechanism encourages cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, the Deputy Secretary General (Investment and Management) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in her keynote address, stated, “MITI is actively engaging with international partners to promote a low-carbon economy. We’re working together to ensure Malaysia’s interests are represented in global climate negotiations and to facilitate trade for our exporters affected by CBAM.”

She added, “The transition to a low-carbon economy presents both challenges and opportunities for Malaysia. While it’s a new regulatory challenge, CBAM also incentivises sustainable practices and can enhance the long-term competitiveness of our businesses. With strategic planning and government support, we can navigate this transition successfully and drive innovation, improve our environmental credentials, and secure a leading position in the global market.”

While MIDA CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid highlighted in his remarks, “it’s crucial for everyone involved in the supply chain of European importers to understand the CBAM requirements thoroughly and start taking steps now to meet these new regulations. Being ahead of the curve is vital to maintaining our competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

“I would like to reaffirm MIDA’s commitment to supporting Malaysian businesses in navigating the challenges and seizing opportunities presented by CBAM. The shift towards greener practices is not just a regulatory hurdle, but a chance to innovate, to enhance efficiency, and to position Malaysian businesses at the forefront of sustainable trade,” he further added.

Approximately 75% of Malaysia’s exports to the European Union will be impacted by CBAM, albeit collectively accounting for about 8% of Malaysia’s total exports from 2021 to 2023. The new regulatory requirement will impose significant compliance costs and further drive the importance of sustainability in the global supply chain. Malaysian exporters, particularly those that are heavily reliant on exports to the EU and those that produce carbon intensive products from six groups being cement, iron & steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen will be impacted in the initial phase.

“We want to help local manufacturers and exporters build resilience and improve their competitiveness by providing them with the knowledge and guidance to prepare ahead for the implementation of this new regulation from the EU. Alliance Bank has developed a long-term relationship with the SME community, and we know that both financial and non-financial solutions are key to enable the growth of businesses. This partnership will help us reach out to more businesses, particularly local manufacturers and exporters who are most impacted by the CBAM policy, and aide them in preparing their business roadmap for it,” Alliance Bank Group Chief Strategy, Marketing and Business Development Officer, Dr. Aaron Sum.

The workshop was divided into three parts, focusing on CBAM’s impact on businesses, implementation timelines, compliance processes and strategies to navigate them. MIDA also presented the available incentives and grants to assist companies in adapting to the changes. Alliance Bank concluded the session by sharing its various green financing options, including the Sustainability Impact Programme, which offers pragmatic ESG advice and solutions to businesses transition towards more sustainable practices.

About Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

MIDA is the Government's principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad

Alliance Bank is dedicated to offering differentiated financial and non-financial solutions across consumer, SME, corporate, commercial, and Islamic banking sectors. Embracing its 'The Bank For Life’ brand purpose, Alliance Bank is committed to meeting the ever- evolving needs of its customers, serving as a dependable banking partner throughout their lifetime.

With a vision of community-centric banking, Alliance Bank deeply engages with the community through an omni-channel approach. Customers can interact with Alliance Bank through an extensive network of retail branches, Privilege Banking Centres, Business Centres, and Digital banking services. The Bank aims to foster meaningful connections within the communities it operates in.

Associated image(s) can be downloaded via this link: 
Press Kit: CBAM Workshop (MIDA-Alliance Bank) 

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Mr. Syed Kamal Muzaffa Syed Hassan Sagaff
Director of Sustainability Division
Tel: +603-2267 3636
Email: syedkamal@mida.gov.my

Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad
Name: Ms. Loh Wan Li
Assistant Vice President Group Communications
Tel: 03-2604 1968
Email: lohwanli@alliancefg.com 

--BERNAMA