National Level Celebration of World Ozone Day 2024 was held at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM), KLCC. This year’s theme, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action,” emphasizes the commitment of the parties under the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer and strengthen efforts to tackle climate change.
Malaysia’s Achievements under the Montreal Protocol:
- Malaysia has demonstrated its commitment by banning the importation of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as CFCs, halon, and carbon tetrachloride (CTC), starting from January 1, 2010.
- In 2012, the government initiated the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP) in stages.
– Phase I (2012-2016) and Phase II (2017-2024) successfully assisted 55 operators in the polyurethane foam manufacturing sector to switch to ozone-friendly and low-carbon technologies.
– The government also provided capacity building and technical assistance to operators in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors to help them transition to ozone-friendly and climate-friendly technologies. By 2023, Malaysia had reduced HCFC usage by 70%, exceeding the targets set under the Montreal Protocol.
During the celebration, the government also launched the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-Out Management Plan Stage III (HPMP III), which aims to completely phase out the use of HCFCs in Malaysia by 2030 and fully ban their use by 2040.
The implementation of HPMP III is expected to significantly contribute to the protection of the ozone layer, while also introducing eco-friendly technologies and improving energy efficiency. Among the key initiatives of HPMP III are:
- Training over 10,000 service technicians,
- Enhancing the control and enforcement framework, and
- Promoting the recycling and reclaiming of refrigerants through the Recycle and Reclaim initiative in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors.
In addition to phasing out ODS, Malaysia is also implementing the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP), which focuses on reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—a greenhouse gas with high global warming potential. Global reductions in HFCs are expected to decrease warming by up to 0.5°C by the end of the century. The plan also emphasizes improving energy efficiency in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors, benefiting both the environment and the country’s technological and economic development.
The celebration of World Ozone Day is not only to commemorate the success of the Montreal Protocol but also a call to action for all parties—government, industry, communities, and the public—to continue playing an active role in protecting the ozone layer and addressing the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The achievements so far are a catalyst for a more sustainable future, where everyone plays a vital role in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY (NRES)
11 OCTOBER 2024
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) (Press Release, 11 October 2024)
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