Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, confirmed that work continues on refining the proposed national carbon tax. Speaking at the Malaysia Palm Carbon Conference 2026, he said the government is considering industry readiness and the policy framework before setting an implementation date. The tax was initially planned for 2026 but may be deferred due to global uncertainties. The minister also stated that carbon tax revenue could be channeled towards climate adaptation projects, forest conservation, and sustainable land management. He emphasized the tax is meant as an incentive for green technology adoption, not a punitive measure. The government is currently reviewing the mechanism for revenue use to support Malaysia's sustainability agenda.
