CETDEM welcomes the decision by NRES to circulate the Draft Framework of Malaysia’s Climate Change Bill or Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara (RUUPIN). CETDEM submitted our comments on the Draft Framework on RUUPIN on 9 Nov 2024.
The following is a key summary of CETDEM’s feedback.
CETDEM position is that for a proper consultation on the RUUPIN, the actual proposed text for the Bill should be shared and discussed. The high-level draft framework as provided will not allow for adequate review and for comprehensive and effective comments, by civil society, multiple stakeholders, sectors, groups and communities. This feedback and input is critical as the RUUPIN , as stated in the Draft Framework, requires a whole-of-nation approach, and hence should allow for a whole-of-nation review.
Key Suggestions for Enhancing and Improving the RUUPIN:
- Reference to Targets
- The RUUPIN should explicitly reference specific targets under the Act, such as the net-zero target endorsed by the Cabinet and made publicly known.
- Guiding Principles
- The section on guiding principles currently lacks actionable content. It should outline clear principles for decision-making, addressing both climate mitigation and adaptation, and provide a foundation for how climate-related challenges will be tackled.
- Adaptation and Loss & Damage
- The RUUPIN is heavily mitigation-focused and lacks explicit emphasis on adaptation. It should include:
- Development, review, and periodic updates of National and Local Adaptation Plans.
- Clear definitions and mechanisms for addressing Loss & Damage, covering both tangible and intangible impacts.
- Mandates for regular Risk & Vulnerability Assessments and provisions for claims mechanisms linked to the National Climate Fund.
- Institutional Arrangements
- The RUUPIN should clearly define institutional arrangements for climate governance, including the roles and responsibilities of key entities like MTPIN, the National Steering Committee on Climate Change, and the Regulatory Entity.
- Parliamentary oversight on climate governance should be included, with mandatory reporting requirements for transparency and accountability.
- Whole-of-Nation Approach
- To support the stated “Whole-of-Nation” approach, the RUUPIN must:
- Outline the roles of all relevant Ministries and Agencies beyond NRES.
- Establish mechanisms for cross-sectoral coordination, including intra-governmental collaboration and public-private partnerships.
- Reflect and integrate the National Climate Change Policy 2.0, where RUUPIN is identified as a catalytic initiative.
- Well-Being of People
- Prioritize the well-being of people by ensuring equitable access to resources, creating sustainable jobs, and protecting vulnerable communities from climate risks.
- Safeguard the rights of future generations through investments in renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building.
- Ministerial Powers and Responsibilities
- Clearly delineate the responsibilities of the Minister, including public communication on climate change, reporting to Parliament, and ensuring public awareness.
- Avoid granting unilateral powers to amend targets; establish formalized processes for consultation and feedback before making changes.
- Role of the Regulatory Entity
- The Regulatory Entity should function beyond the purview of NRES, with mandates covering cross-sectoral areas like energy and disaster management.
- Its responsibilities should include adaptation, Loss & Damage, regular Risk & Vulnerability Assessments, and maintaining a publicly accessible National Registry for Climate Change data.
- Transparency and Public Access
- Ensure that data and information relating to climate change are publicly available to enhance awareness, enable research, and support analysis.
- Support for Vulnerable Populations
- Include legal protections and frameworks for vulnerable populations, addressing climate-induced migration, displacement, and access to social protection programs.
- Technology and Innovation
- Promote research, development, and technology transfer for climate change mitigation and adaptation, focusing on empowering vulnerable communities.
- National Climate Fund Enhancements
- Expand the scope of financial mechanisms to include insurance schemes and risk-sharing mechanisms, supporting recovery from climate-related disasters and encouraging climate-resilient investments.