25/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 25, 2025

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M’sia, Timor-Leste chart new chapter of cooperation: PM

PETALING JAYA: Climate change is not a “con job”. That was the firm rebuttal from Malaysian experts after United States President Donald Trump dismissed global warming in those words during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Universiti Tenaga Nasional Institute of Energy Policy and Research director Dr Nora Yusma Mohammed Yusoff said the remark may resonate politically in the US but contradicts mounting evidence of climate disruption already being felt in Malaysia. “Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions hit a record 37.4 billion tonnes in 2023, pushing global temperatures more than 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. “Every additional tonne of carbon dioxide (CO Œ ) takes us closer to breaching the 1.5°C Paris Agreement threshold,” she said. She noted that the International Energy Agency attributed part of this increase to droughts affecting hydropower, which forced greater reliance on fossil fuels despite the growth of renewable energy. “Each tonne of CO Œ traps more heat in the atmosphere, intensifying floods, droughts and storms. Burning fossil fuels also worsens air quality, exposing people to dangerous particulates while reinforcing climate instability.” Malaysia has already paid a heavy price. The 2021–2022 floods killed nearly 50 people, displaced 400,000 and caused losses estimated at RM6.1 billion. “These were not isolated events. Since 1970, Malaysia has repeatedly endured catastrophic floods and with heavier rainfall in a warming climate. Such disasters are expected to become more frequent and more costly,” she said, adding that against this backdrop, Malaysia has set its course for a low-carbon future. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com DILI: Malaysia and Timor-Leste have agreed to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors – from trade and education to health, tourism and security – as Dili prepares to join Asean as its 11th member. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong backing for Timor-Leste’s Asean bid and broader bilateral ties. “We discussed mechanisms to strengthen cooperation in trade, tourism, education, health and energy. Within Asean, Timor-Leste has done everything possible to accelerate the process, and Malaysia is honoured to host the function where Timor-Leste will officially become a full member of Asean.” Anwar also highlighted the “maximum level of trust” between both nations, covering connectivity, defence, procurement, training and information sharing. “As maritime nations, we face similar challenges such as illegal fishing, intrusion and security. Collaboration will be critical.” Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao said Anwar’s visit marked a milestone in bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 2002. “Our talks today were warm and productive. We agreed to further enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, higher education, health and tourism. Education and training, particularly new scholarships and institutional partnerships, are also a

top priority,” he said at a joint press conference. Gusmao noted the launch of new air services and visa-free travel arrangements to ease mobility for citizens of both countries, saying these initiatives would strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties. He also thanked Malaysia for its “strong and steadfast support” of Timor-Leste’s development and Asean aspirations. “We shared common views on regional and global issues, including peace, democracy and Palestine, where we stand united in calling for an end to violence and respect for international law,” he added. Both leaders pledged to continue close collaboration at bilateral and multilateral levels to deepen ties and bolster regional peace and stability. On Myanmar, Anwar said there had been encouraging engagement. “With Asean’s support, the bombings have ceased and relative peace has returned since the earthquake, and Malaysia also established a field hospital.” He said Asean’s mediation had also produced results in Thailand and Cambodia. “We managed to prevent any escalation of violence, and this progress was only possible with the support of Asean countries.” Turning to the Middle East, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s firm stance. “We oppose the atrocities in Gaza, where bombings continue to kill babies, children and innocent civilians.” – Bernama

Anwar and Gusmao embrace their countries’ longstanding friendship while pledging deeper cooperation across trade, education and security. – BERNAMAPIC

Climate crisis not ‘con job’, experts tell Trump

‘We are not hub for Hamas’, says IGP KUALA LUMPUR: The police have denied claims by former US Department of Treasury terrorism finance analyst Jonathan Schanzer that Malaysia was serving as a hub for Hamas operations. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the Palestinian struggle was an issue close to the hearts of Malaysians, but the country continued to maintain good relations with the United States and other nations. “There are foreign nationals here, especially from Palestine, Syria and others, who are studying in our institutions of higher learning. Maybe our people’s concern (for their plight) has been misinterpreted by certain quarters,” he told a press conference yesterday. Schanzer, via his social media account, had alleged that the Malaysian prime minister was not interested in peace between Palestine and Israel. Mohd Khalid said the police constantly collaborate and share information with foreign counterparts to ensure security and effective preventive measures in the future. On the country’s security control level, he said it is at an optimum level thanks to close cooperation among agencies such as the Immigration and Customs departments and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency. – Bernama Passing of Saudi Grand Mufti great loss KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the passing of Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Sheikh, as a profound loss to the Muslim world. In a Facebook post, Anwar conveyed his condolences on behalf of Malaysians, extending sympathy to the people of Saudi Arabia and Muslims worldwide. “We have lost a distinguished scholar, known for his wisdom and deep knowledge, who dedicated his life to serving Islam and the ummah. “May Allah SWT grant His mercy upon his soul and place him among the prophets and the righteous. Al-Fatihah,” he said. The Saudi Press Agency reported yesterday that the Royal Court confirmed the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz, who had served as Grand Mufti since 1999. He was 82 and was widely regarded as one of the most influential scholars of his time. – Bernama.

o Scientists warn dismissing global warming undermines urgent action, with the country already bearing cost of deadly floods and worsening environmental impacts

steals Malaysia’s chance of a safe and sustainable future. For us, delay is not an option. Climate change is not a ‘con job’ – it is a crisis already written in Malaysian skies, rivers, floodplains and in the rising global carbon count.” Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Faisol Keling agreed that Trump’s remarks were deliberate political rhetoric. “Environmental challenges affect all countries, including the US. “But under the America First policy, traditional security and economic interests have been prioritised over non-traditional threats such as climate change.” He added that this approach reflects Washington’s broader tendency to focus on domestic concerns rather than collective global action. “The America First policy has impacted healthy trade relations, creating a form of injustice in which weaker countries face coercion and exploitation, while the US prioritises issues directly tied to its national interests. “Trump’s remarks are largely rhetorical. The US tends to focus on issues of national importance rather than broader global concerns, with non-traditional issues often treated as secondary.” Mohamad Faisol said Malaysia should take the opportunity at the upcoming Asean Summit to champion stronger regional cooperation on climate. “Asean must present a united front to secure international attention and attract the support needed to safeguard global and regional security.”

Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap the government aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and raise renewable energy capacity to 70%. Instruments such as the Bursa Carbon Exchange and a planned emissions trading system are expected to accelerate industrial decarbonisation. Fiscal measures and policy incentives have also been introduced to make clean energy more accessible and to help meet Malaysia’s Paris pledge of cutting emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. But Nora stressed that fossil fuels remain dominant in the country’s electricity generation, leaving it vulnerable to volatile fuel markets and local climate extremes. “The global energy transition is changing the economics. In many markets, solar and wind are now cheaper than new coal or gas plants. Every delay in cutting fossil fuel use adds billions in future disaster costs.” she said. She warned that dismissing climate science at the global level could weaken Asean’s sense of urgency, encourage free-rider behaviour and undermine progress on shared initiatives such as the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation and regional power grid integration. “If climate finance or technology transfers decline, Malaysia must diversify partnerships, expand South–South cooperation and use Asean’s collective bargaining power,” she said, adding that the cost of delay would be devastating. “The real ‘con job’ is inaction. Every postponement magnifies destruction and