Economic growth should not be sacrificed to achieve net-zero target: Malaysia PM Anwar

[KUALA LUMPUR] Asean countries are keen on shifting to cleaner energy, but affordability is a key concern for them in their move away from hydrocarbons. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said economic growth should not be sacrificed to achieve the target of net zero.

Speaking at the inaugural Energy Asia conference on Monday (Jun 26), he said that while some countries are preparing for the energy transition, there are some countries that are still struggling with access to complete electrification, clean cooking fuel and energy security.

“Affordability remains a key concern, particularly for parts of developing Asia where people are not looking too far to pay the bill or to put food on the table,” he said at the energy conference hosted by the country’s state oil firm Petroliam Nasional (Petronas).