Malaysia is one of the most rapidly urbanising countries in Asia with more than 72% (as of 2010 Census) and Malaysia’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission levels are relatively high compared to other countries in the region at similar stages of development.

Subsequently, Malaysia’s per capita GHG emissions in 2007 were estimated to be 10.8 tCO2e with a national total of 292.9 million tCO2e. Of these emission sources more than half are directly related to urban settings – specifically electricity (up to 26% of GHG emissions), transportation (16%) and solid waste (12%). Since 2009, the transport sector has become Malaysia’s largest GHG emitter sector, and the second-biggest driver of energy demand in the economy.

Recognizing that sustainable economic development is closely tied to the ability of the country to move to a low carbon climate resilient development pathway, and that cities are natural partners to chart a low carbon growth path, the Goverment of Malaysia has formulated the Green Technology Applications for the Development of Low Carbon Cities (GTALCC) project. The project aspires to transform the way cities plan and develop so as to promote the application of green low carbon technologies and mobilise cities to fully contribute to the national low carbon development agenda.