The Low Carbon Cities Catalyst Grant (GeRAK) worth RM250,000 each was awarded to 150 local authorities (PBT) last year in order to support high-impact low-carbon city initiatives.

The Low Carbon Cities Catalyst Grant (GeRAK) worth RM250,000 each was awarded to 150 local authorities (PBT) last year in order to support high-impact low-carbon city initiatives.

Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (pix) stated that the grant, which was introduced in April 2021, establishes the direction and approach in line with the idea of low-carbon cities that could help lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He said at a press conference after officiating the pre-launch ceremony of the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2023 that “PBTs’ response to GeRAK is very encouraging, and Inha Allah we (the government) will continue providing this grant.”

GeRAK was introduced on April 6, 2021, with RM35 million in funding. The grant gives the Low-Carbon Zone category’s PBTs that are implementing the Low-Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and the Low-Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge priority.

Low-Carbon Cities Framework focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

On IGEM 2023, which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from October 4 to 6, Nik Nazmi said the government hopes to secure at least RM4 billion in business opportunities.

The event’s theme is “Race Towards Net Zero: Leadership for Climate Action.” “Based on the effective implementation of previous IGEM editions, this target has been set. “With 33,150 attendees, we were able to generate RM4.25 billion in business opportunities last year ” he said.

The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), a division of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, hosts IGEM, an annual trade show for green technologies and eco-solutions.

The MGTC works closely with various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, academia, and civil society, to promote the development and implementation of green technologies and practices in various sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and construction.