Malaysia to launch carbon capture, utilisation and storage roadmap by end-November, says Akmal Nasrullah

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir also said that current attention would be focused on developing a carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in Kuantan, Pahang, given that the Lawit field still has the capacity to produce gas, with production expected to continue beyond 2035. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 2:27 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The government is expected to launch the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Roadmap by the end of this month, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

At the same time, he said the government was undertaking a dedicated study to examine CCUS clusters, which is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027.

“CCUS development does not only involve storage sites, but also encompasses the potential value that can be generated through carbon capture and utilisation.

“The study process will also involve engagement sessions with state governments to obtain their views and formulate strategic development plans,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN-Kuala Terengganu) on the latest developments in CCUS implementation.

Akmal Nasrullah also said that current attention would be focused on developing a carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in Kuantan, Pahang, given that the Lawit field still has the capacity to produce gas, with production expected to continue beyond 2035.

“Plans for developing CCS hub infrastructure in Kerteh, including carbon storage capacity, will be drawn up and implemented in phases by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), based on technical and commercial readiness.

“The government is also actively implementing a pilot project to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the iron and steel industry in Kemaman, Terengganu,” he added.

Akmal Nasrullah explained that the initiative aims to establish a baseline cost that can serve as a guide and reference for industry players in assessing the potential of CCUS technology as one of the measures to mitigate carbon emissions.

The question also covered plans for storage capacity, infrastructure development and the development blueprint for Kerteh as one of the country’s CCUS hubs by 2030.

He said the Malaysia CCUS Agency is responsible for administering and regulating, as well as ensuring the effective implementation of Act 870 and all subsidiary legislation under it, including through the issuance of permits and licences.

As of September 2026, the agency had issued two offshore assessment permits to applicant companies under Petronas to conduct assessments to determine the suitability of CO2 storage sites.

Both assessment permits focus on geological sites in offshore areas along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. — Bernama