By Dr. Cheah Chan Fatt
Under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13), the nation has charted a bold course toward building a resilient green economy. Among its key environmental targets is the commitment to increase carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage capacity by 10 million metric tonnes by the year 2030. This ambitious goal reflects Malaysia’s broader pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and aligns with its obligations under the Paris Agreement. While technological solutions such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) are part of the strategy, Malaysia’s greatest natural asset in this endeavour lies in its forests.
Forests are the most significant terrestrial carbon sinks in Malaysia, far surpassing other ecosystems in their ability to absorb and store CO₂. From the dense dipterocarp rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia to the peat swamp forests of Sarawak and mangrove belts along the coast, these ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the climate, preserving biodiversity, and supporting Indigenous livelihoods. Malaysia’s forests store more carbon than its marine ecosystems, making forest conservation a linchpin in the country’s climate strategy.
However, forest degradation and deforestation continue to pose serious threats. Logging, land conversion for agriculture, and infrastructure development have reduced forest cover and weakened the carbon sequestration potential of these ecosystems. Without urgent policy reforms and stronger enforcement mechanisms, Malaysia risks undermining its climate targets. Recognising this, RMK13 has begun to incorporate forest conservation into its green economy framework, but civil society groups and environmental coalitions are calling for more robust commitments.
One such initiative is the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO) mechanism, which aims to create a transparent national carbon credit system for the forestry sector. This system would allow companies and investors to support forest conservation while offsetting their carbon emissions, thereby promoting both environmental integrity and economic opportunity. Additionally, the establishment of a unified forest map and a Protected Forest Registry, as demanded by ecological coalitions, would enhance governance and accountability across state jurisdictions.
The importance of forest conservation extends beyond carbon storage. Forests act as natural buffers against floods, droughts, and soil erosion. They support water cycles, protect watersheds, and provide habitat for thousands of species, many of which are endemic to Malaysia. Moreover, Indigenous communities have long served as stewards of these forests, preserving traditional knowledge and sustainable practices that are now being recognised as vital to climate resilience.
To meet the 10 million metric tonne CO₂ storage target by 2030, Malaysia must prioritise forest conservation as a central pillar of its climate policy. This includes halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, and expanding protected areas. Financial mechanisms such as green bonds, direct access funds for Indigenous communities, and international climate financing—like the Tropical Forest Forever Facility—can provide the necessary resources to scale up these efforts.
Furthermore, integrating forest conservation into urban planning, infrastructure development, and industrial policy will ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of ecological stability. The government must also foster cross-sectoral collaboration, bringing together ministries, local governments, businesses, and civil society to co-create solutions that are both sustainable and inclusive.
In conclusion, RMK13 presents a timely opportunity for Malaysia to redefine its development trajectory. By placing forest conservation at the heart of its carbon storage strategy, the country can not only meet its climate goals but also safeguard its natural heritage for future generations. Forests are not merely passive reservoirs of carbon—they are dynamic ecosystems that underpin Malaysia’s environmental, economic, and cultural identity. Protecting them is not just a climate imperative; it is a national responsibility.
The author is a Research Fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya, and can be reached at cheahchanfatt@um.edu.my.