Govt studying proposal to place carbon trading under different ministry

The government is studying a proposal to place carbon trading under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, said Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who also helms the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, said currently, all issues related to carbon are under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.

"Right now, the government is discussing whether we can separate carbon storage and carbon trading and place it under my ministry.

"This is in line with the UN’s definition that carbon is a commodity," he told reporters after attending the Aidiladha “korban” (sacrificial slaughter of cows) programme today.

Fadillah said the effort to place carbon trading under the said portfolio is also expected to take some time because it involves changes in the ministry.

"At the federal government level, we are also discussing to establish a specific law regarding carbon trading," he added.

On April 27, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg proposed that carbon trading be placed under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry.

- Bernama