LocationsMalaysia aims for 100% elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) by 2030, launches Stage III of HCFC Phase-out Management Plan
October 11, 2024
11 October 2024, Kuala Lumpur: The Department of Environment (DOE), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Malaysia, and UNDP today launched the Stage III of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), bringing Malaysia closer to eliminating HCFCs across the nation by 2030.
Malaysia has a proud 35-year history implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, having successfully eliminated the use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by 2010. Building on this milestone, Malaysia implemented HPMP Stage I between 2011-2016 and Stage II between 2017-2024.
During the first two stages, the project successfully helped 55 manufacturers in the polyurethane foam sector transition to ozone-friendly and low-carbon technologies. It also provided capacity building and technical assistance for manufacturers in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors to ensure the industry is ready to switch to ozone- and climate-friendly technologies. By 2023, Malaysia had successfully reduced HCFC usage by 70%, exceeding the target set under the Montreal Protocol.
From left: UNDP in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam's Deputy Resident Representative Manon Bernier with YB Nik Nazmi Ahmad (center), Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) at the launch.
YB Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Minister of NRES said, “The government has taken various initiatives to reduce ozone depleting substances (ODS) consumption, including banning the import of CFCs, halon, and carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and introducing HCFCs as substitutes for CFCs in refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam industries. However, due to their the high global warming potential, global efforts under the Montreal Protocol are now focused on phasing out HCFCs to eliminate them by 2030.
“To further protect the ozone layer, the Cabinet also approved plans and strategies to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Implementation Plan on January 31 this year, in line with its shift to using zero-ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and gradually phasing out HCFCs while reducing HFCs.”
With HPMP Stage III, Malaysia is again embarking on an ambitious programme to achieve a full phase out of HCFCs, accepting a small allowance for the servicing ‘tail’ to 2040. HPMP Stage III will significantly decrease Malaysia’s impact on the ozone layer, preserving it and allowing it to recover for future generations. Upon completion, HPMP III will also contribute to Malaysia's climate change mitigation endeavours, reducing cumulative annual (2023-2030) emissions by 8.42 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
“The key components of HPMP III will focus on improved servicing practices, enhanced training for technicians and enforcement officers, promoting the recovery and reclamation of refrigerants, strengthening policies and regulations, increasing public awareness and adopting low global warming potential alternatives,” said DOE Director General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar.
(Left): Media interview; (right): The Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE) team at the HPMP Stage III exhibition.
Manon Bernier, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam added, “The Montreal Protocol is a powerful example of successful multilateral cooperation, driving measurable progress in global environmental action. With a budget of USD 15.9 million, HPMP Stage III will significantly reduce harmful emissions and further Malaysia’s efforts in combating climate change. As with the previous two phase-out plan projects, I am very confident that NRES and the Department of Environment will steer this project towards successful outcomes."
The launch of the project was held in conjunction with the national-level celebration of World Ozone Day 2024, which held the theme of "Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action," highlighting the commitment of parties under the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer and strengthening efforts to address climate change issues.
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