UK PACT funds RM8.2m for 5 Malaysia’s climate projects

by ANIS HAZIM / pic credit: gov.uk

THE UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) has funded five innovative climate projects in Malaysia valued at £1.4 million (RM8.2 million) through its Malaysia-UK PACT programme.

The £70 million flagship programme is part of the UK’s £11.6 billion commitment to International Climate Finance by 2026 funded by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The grants aim to improve the capacity and capability of key public, private and civil society institutions to reduce emissions and foster inclusive economic growth in partner countries, including Malaysia.

According to the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, all the five projects were chosen through an open, competitive call for proposals, receiving between £100,000 and £350,000 each.

“These capacity-building projects will promote low-carbon and nature preservation initiatives in Malaysia while supporting the improvement of livelihoods of marginalised communities,” it noted in a statement yesterday.

The organisations implementing the projects and their partners will support and work with key public sector beneficiaries at national, state and local levels to build capacity in key priority areas including green finance, energy, nature and low carbon planning.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay (picture) said Malaysia is one of the most eco-diverse countries in the world.

“We want to support Malaysia’s transition to a low carbon economy and reduction of emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, and to preserve natural resources for future generations.

“Through UK PACT, we look forward to working with Malaysia to help develop capabilities in the areas of green finance, energy, nature and low carbon planning, in line with Malaysia’s Nationally Determined Contribution,” Hay said.

The UK will be hosting the 26th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from Oct 31 to Nov 12, 2021, to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on climate change.

Thus, the project portfolio is well placed to support a green, clean and resilient recovery in Malaysia and support the aims of COP26.