KOTA KINABALU: July 14, 2026 – Green investment is becoming the primary driver of Malaysia’s more sustainable economic growth, aligning efforts to balance economic development, environmental conservation and social well-being, a minister has said.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup stressed that sustainable development is no longer just an aspiration, but a critical necessity in tackling the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
He made the remarks in his keynote address at the Sabah Asia-Pacific Impact Investing for Sustainable Development Summit 2026, held at The Magellan Sutera Resort on Monday.
Mr Kurup said Malaysia is committed to strengthening national growth through inclusive policies, sustainable natural resource management and responsible investment that can attract investor confidence.
His ministry is currently strengthening policy frameworks, legislation and economic plans to transform natural assets into sustainable sources of economic value.
“Sustainable development is not just an aspiration; it is a critical necessity that requires leadership, innovative collaboration and transformative investment,” he said.
These efforts are also being supported by the development of the carbon market, the implementation of the National Climate Change Policy 2.0, and the drafting of the Climate Change Bill to support the target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The minister praised Sabah for continuing to lead in forest carbon projects, successfully implementing large-scale forest restoration initiatives that have generated more than four million internationally verified carbon credits.
He added that the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) and the Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) are also playing a role in expanding green technology, carbon markets, forest conservation and blue economy development.
Green investment is viewed as a strategic step in ensuring a balance between economic progress and environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations.
