Sustainable Development of the Transport Sector: Malaysia

Abstract

Unprecedented sea change has been seen in the transport and energy sectors in a revolutionary way. Especially the automotive industry is facing a turning point that happens only once every 100 years. Major auto manufacturers worldwide are accelerating the development of clean vehicles, including electric vehicles, in the wake of tightening regulations on the environment. Furthermore, new advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence or the internet of things have made self-driving or connected vehicles available, which could solve traffic-related problems such as air pollution or traffic congestion. In the energy field, the cost of renewable energy has drastically declined, and it has become a more powerful and competitive energy source compared to fossil fuels. Dozens of countries around the world are keen on introducing affordable renewable energies. Tackling global warming is an urgent task for all countries. The energy and the transport sectors are the major sources of GHG emission. Combining zero-carbon energy supply with clean vehicle technology can make automobiles a carbon-free transport mode. Although a lot of problems remain to be solved in renewables and clean vehicles, such as power intermittence or the price and quality of batteries, it is a good opportunity to tap into technology advancements and draw up a strategic policy for both the transport and energy sectors.