11MP: 20% Govt Green Procurement by 2020 target

KUALA LUMPUR: The adoption of a sustainable consumption and production concept as outlined in the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) will, among others, see at least 20% of government procurement going green by 2020.

According to the 2016 - 2020 development plan unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the private sector will concurrently be encouraged to emulate government efforts in green procurement.

"Government Green Procurement (GGP) will be made mandatory for all government ministries and agencies. The GGP will create the demand for green products and services, encouraging industries to raise the standard and quality of their products to meet green requirements," says the 11MP document.

It says that the government will act as a catalyst to create green markets in products and services as well as buildings.

"A government-driven push will encourage local industries, especially small and medium enterprises, to develop green products and services, eventually leading to further greening of the supply chain," says the document.
Other targets set under the 11MP include reducing green house gas (GHG) emission intensity of GDP by up to 40% compared to 2005 levels by 2020 and conserve at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas as well as 10% of coastal and marine areas as protected areas.

The plan further states that a comprehensive national disaster risk management policy and related legislation will be formulated and relevant standard operating procedures revised.

Concurrently, a national crisis and disaster management centre will be established as the main training centre in Malaysia that will also act as a platform for greater engagement with stakeholders, including relevant agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society organisations and the people.

Under the 11MP, the government will also upgrade the flood forecasting and warning system to allow a longer lead time with a view to substantially reducing damage during floods. – Bernama