Walking around the vicinity of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) in Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur, one cannot help but notice the towering old trees that offer a welcome respite from the city’s heat. Their shade provides not only physical comfort but also a gentle reminder of the harmony that can exist between nature and human activity. Strolling beneath the trees turns what might otherwise be an arduous walk into a reflective experience that enriches the surrounding atmosphere. In much the same way, IKIM as a national think-tank seeks to provide an intellectual and spiritual refuge, where knowledge and values rooted in Islam engage meaningfully with the challenges of contemporary life.
On the other hand, climate change has become a common topic in academic conferences and across social media, often framed in terms of theories, policies, and future scenarios. Yet, the moment we step outdoors, its impact is felt directly on our skin through unbearable heat waves, sudden flash storms that flood Kuala Lumpur roads, and haze that seeps into our homes. Climate change is not a distant abstraction but a daily reality for many of us. Unfortunately, our laws have not kept pace with this lived experience. The upcoming Climate Change Bill, or Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara (RUUPIN), seeks to address this gap. The proposed Climate Change Bill could also be seen as part of the broader Malaysia Madani vision, which calls for policies that are sustainable, compassionate, and inclusive in safeguarding both people and the environment.
Malaysia already has several climate-related policies in place, such as the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC), the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). Yet policies, no matter how ambitious, are not the same as law. They set national direction but do not compel action.
What may set RUUPIN apart is that, if approved, it will mandate and regulate climate action at the national level, creating clear legal obligations. Industries will be required to report their emissions, governments must collect and standardise data, and major polluters will eventually face binding requirements. For the first time, climate action in Malaysia would be subject to real enforcement, marking an important step forward in strengthening the nation’s response to climate change.
Another key innovation of the Bill, according to the published consultation paper on the proposed RUUPIN by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), is the possible creation of the National Integrated Climate Data Repository (NICDR), which would mark an important shift away from fragmented and inconsistent information. Heavy industries would be required to report greenhouse gas emissions in line with IPCC standards and the GHG Protocol, ensuring credibility in both national and international reporting. This system is envisioned as the technical backbone for developing emissions trading schemes and climate financing mechanisms.
The proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is presented as a significant step forward, yet important details remain unresolved. It is not clear which sectors and facilities would be included first, whether allowances would be freely allocated or auctioned, or how stringent the penalties for non-compliance would be. There is also uncertainty about whether the system would incorporate safeguards such as a market reserve or a floor price to stabilise prices. While the consultation paper outlines the overall framework, the absence of clarity on these elements suggests that further work is needed to ensure the ETS delivers meaningful results.
The consultation paper also highlights nature-based solutions and biodiversity conservation. RUUPIN is expected to enable the establishment of a National Registry for Climate Change (NRCC), which could track carbon credits from reforestation, mangrove protection, or peatland restoration. Yet it remains uncertain whether ecosystem protection will be formally prioritised within the Climate Fund. Without such assurances, cheaper technological offsets or large industrial projects risk overshadowing the rich biodiversity that Malaysians rely on for flood control, shade, and food security.
Civil society groups have also raised alarms about Indigenous rights, noting that much of Malaysia’s remaining forests and carbon-rich landscapes lie on Orang Asli and customary land. However, the consultation paper does not explicitly recognise Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), nor does it spell out how communities will be consulted, represented, or compensated. Without clear legal guarantees, there is a danger of repeating past injustices, displacing the very people who have safeguarded these landscapes for generations.
Another politically sensitive area flagged in the paper is Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS). Advanced under a separate CCUS Bill, it is promoted as a way to decarbonise heavy industries while sustaining Malaysia’s oil and gas sector. Yet many civil society organisations remain sceptical, warning that CCUS is costly, risks delaying genuine emissions cuts, and may prolong fossil fuel dependence. If RUUPIN is to serve as Malaysia’s umbrella climate law, the consultation paper suggests it must eventually clarify how CCUS fits into the national mitigation pathway, what safeguards will apply, how liability is assigned, and how long-term monitoring will be enforced. Without greater clarity, CCUS may present challenges that could affect future generations if not carefully managed.
Even so, RUUPIN represents an important step forward for Malaysia. It has the potential to transform the nation’s climate agenda from aspiration into obligation and to mark real progress toward meeting our Paris Agreement commitments. Passing the Bill will only be the beginning, as its success will depend on whether it ensures credible data, an ETS with effective implementation, protection for vulnerable communities, and well-designed safeguards for CCUS. The way these elements are addressed will determine whether RUUPIN becomes a lasting milestone in Malaysia’s climate journey or simply the first step in a longer process of refinement.
In Islam, caring for the environment is both a social duty and an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. said: “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (ṣadaqah) for him” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This teaching reflects the principle of stewardship (khilāfah) over the earth, where protecting creation and preventing harm are responsibilities entrusted to humanity. Just as Malaysia’s upcoming Climate Change Bill seeks to enforce accountability and safeguard the nation against rising temperatures, floods, and pollution, Islamic values remind us that moderation, sustainability, and care for future generations are moral and spiritual obligations.
Much like the old trees along Bukit Tunku that offer shade and comfort on a hot day, RUUPIN carries the promise of protecting Malaysians from the growing challenges of climate change. Unlike trees that take decades to mature, strong laws can be put in place swiftly, giving the nation a timely shield and a hopeful path forward.
