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The panic wrought by the 1997 Asian financial crisis spurred different mitigative measures. Some states assented to IMF bailout and restructuring, while others enforced capital control. Since then, despite intense academic and regulatory scrutiny of the nuances of the recession, empiric focus on recovery trajectory of affected countries centred chiefly around traditional GDP metrics; an approach that disregards economic performance in a manner congruent with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In this paper, we adopt a broader SDG-compatible approach by tracking two affected countries' (Korea and Malaysia) recovery via operationalizing an alternative growth indicator GPI (Genuine Progress Indicator). First, we construct a 35-year long GPI index from 1980 to 2014 and employ the Solow Growth Model to measure the impact of the two remedial measures on GDP and GPI of both countries. Employing an ARDL approach, we find external debt to impact significantly the GDP and GPI of Korea. Meanwhile for Malaysia, the controversial capital control failed to register significant impact. Moreover, unemployment rates, trade openness, fixed capital formation and the history of previous crises are found to be influential determinants of GDP and GPI, with credit and exchange rate variables showing ambiguous results. Image 1 • We track recovery paths of South Korea & Malaysia after 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. • Recovery is examined via traditional GDP and sustainable development-oriented GPI. • External debt significantly impacts economic growth in GDP & GPI for South Korea. • Capital control is an insignificant influence on either metric for Malaysia. • Unemployment, trade policy, capital formation and crises are significant determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is recognised as one of the biggest sources of pollution due to its eutrophying nature and methane emitting treatment. Although biogas recovery and utilisation are promoted through government initiatives, the motivation and support from mills still reported low in Malaysia. This paper aims to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of POME utilisation in the palm oil supply chain based on environmental, social and economic concerns to review the favourability of POME elimination. A zero effluent approach is introduced based on POME evaporation technique, undiluted clarification practice and water recycling strategy as an alternative for conventional POME management approaches. An integrated palm oil complex concept is proposed which includes new palm oil processing approach that eliminates POME and provides industrial symbiosis possibilities within palm oil upstream and downstream sectors to promote sustainability of palm oil industry with balanced economic and environmental advantages. A comparative study between POME utilisation (Case 1 and 2) and POME elimination (Case 3) in different perspectives is included in this work. In the economic view, the payback period of Case 3 is shorter (4 y) compared to Case 1 and 2 (4.3–8.3 y). In comparison, POME elimination technology is more environmentally friendly due to smaller water and land footprint, zero methane emission and minimum waste generation. Approximately 0.3% improvement in oil extraction rate can be potentially achieved by the proposed mill configuration in Case 3. One of the challenges in POME elimination implementation is the additional 0.25 kg steam requirement associated with evaporation of 1 kg water. The study provides insights on the feasibility of the proposed sustainable concept in Malaysia with consideration of government policies and programmes. The suggested POME elimination-based complex provides alternative option to mill owners who are uninterested to invest in biogas capturing facilities. • An integrated palm oil complex with POME elimination was proposed. • Comparative study between POME utilisation and POME elimination practices was conducted. • Economic evaluation of three (3) case studies was conducted. • POME elimination is the preferred alternative for sustainable POME management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote the growth of renewable energy sector in Malaysia, feed-in tariff (FiT) mechanism has been introduced by Malaysian government in 2011, in accordance with Renewable Energy Act 2011 and Sustainable Energy Development Authority Act 2011. The tariff was enacted to overcome the shortcomings identified in the small renewable energy power (SREP) Program from 2001 to 2010. This paper highlighted some measures adopted to rectify the shortcomings identified during SREP, and the role of Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) in achieving the above mentioned task. The paper also includes the latest progress on renewable energy projects, especially those related to solar photovoltaic system. It is predicted that solar energy will become the main source of renewable energy in Malaysia by the year 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia has a plethora of biomass that can be utilized in a sustainable manner to produce bio-products for circular green economy. At the 15th Conference of Parties in Copenhagen, Malaysia stated to voluntarily reduce its emissions intensity of gross domestic product by upto 40% by 2020 from 2005 level. Natural resources e.g. forestry and agricultural resources will attribute in achieving these goals. This paper investigates optimum bio-based systems, such as bioenergy and biorefinery, and their prospects in sustainable development in Malaysia, while analyzing comparable cases globally. Palm oil industry will continue to play a major role in deriving products and contributing to gross national income in Malaysia. Based on the current processing capacity, one tonne of crude palm oil (CPO) production is associated with nine tonnes of biomass generation. Local businesses tend to focus on products with low-risk that enjoy subsidies, e.g. Feed-in-Tariff, such as bioenergy, biogas, etc. CPO biomass is utilized to produce biogas, pellets, dried long fibre and bio-fertilizer and recycle water. It is envisaged that co-production of bio-based products, food and pharmaceutical ingredients, fine, specialty and platform chemicals, polymers, alongside biofuel and bioenergy from biomass is possible to achieve overall sustainability by the replacement of fossil resources. Inception of process integration gives prominent innovative biorefinery configurations, an example demonstrated recently, via extraction of recyclable, metal, high value chemical (levulinic acid), fuel, electricity and bio-fertilizer from municipal solid waste or urban waste. Levulinic acid yield by only 5 wt% of waste feedstock gives 1.5 fold increase in profitability and eliminates the need for subsidies such as gate fees paid by local authority to waste processor. Unsustainable practices include consumable food wastage, end-of-pipe cleaning and linear economy that must be replaced by sustainable production and consumption, source segregation and process integration, and product longevity and circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia near the equator within the typical tropical climatic zone. The efficient use of energy is vital due to the dependency on fossil resources that are being exhausted, which ultimately cause CO 2 emissions. Economic development and population growth are deemed to affect the growing energy demand in the country. Therefore, sustainability, energy security, and climate change are crucial challenges for the power sector in Malaysia. The aforementioned issues can be tackled with energy efficient measures in the building sector. Buildings in Malaysia consume 14.3% of the overall energy and 53% of only electrical energy is being consumed in residential and commercial sectors. Therefore, energy efficiency in buildings is crucial in order to reduce the energy use and improve the local environmental sustainability. This paper discusses a review on the building energy scenario, the policy perspectives, building energy efficiency programs along with landmark buildings and their characteristics. Besides, the potential of renewable energy resources in buildings and various prospective issues and challenges faced by the country have also been discussed. The significant review content thus benefits researchers, scientists and practitioners for a better understanding on energy efficiency and the sustainable measures that have been so far taken. The review also puts forward some actions to promote building energy efficiency and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palm oil milling process produces excessive amount of palm oil mill effluent (POME). Conventionally, POME is treated anaerobically to remove organic pollutant which produces biogas. Ideally, biogas is recovered to reduce the carbon footprint of palm oil production. However, more often than not the biogas is released freely to the atmosphere as a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). This paper demonstrates the Malaysia’s experiences and endeavors in biogas capture and utilization under the Economic Transformation Programme. It highlights some of the essential technological, financial and institutional elements put in place gearing towards a nationwide biogas implementation. Biogas captured is a proven source of renewable energy that can contribute to the nation’s energy mix and sustainable development. Its implementation has been realized and strengthened in recent years through private commitment and government support in the form of several financial schemes and policies. This initiative across the nation targeting GHG emissions reduction is by and large one of the most responsive long term approaches in continuously improving the environmental performance of the oil palm industry to ensure continued market access to countries imposing more stringent palm oil sustainability requirements. The hardship, pain and valuable lessons learned in this national development could be informative for many other palm oil-producing countries in addressing similar sustainability issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) enables transferring technology from developed countries to developing countries, such as Malaysia, and simultaneously promotes sustainable growth. Although this has been proven, the contribution of Malaysian companies in CDM projects is low. Therefore, this study has been aimed at investigating the determinants of CDM adoption and its impact on companies' performances. Data were gathered by surveying 91 companies in the energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors in Malaysia implementing CDM projects. The data were analysed using the partial least squares technique. The results show that environmental regulations, competitiveness, and financial benefits have a positive impact on CDM implementation. Additionally, this study reported a significant positive effect of CDM implementation on economic performance. This paper extends the knowledge on the determinants and financial outcome of CDM implementation. The information given in this research might be beneficial for policy makers and managers in modifying tactics and strategies towards successful promotion of the CDM in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It has been widely accepted worldwide that global warming is by far the greatest threat and challenge in the new millennium. In order to stop global warming and to promote sustainable development, renewable energy is a perfect solution to achieve both targets. Presently million hectares of land in Malaysia is occupied with oil palm plantation generating huge quantities of biomass. In this context, biomass from oil palm industries appears to be a very promising alternative as a source of raw materials including renewable energy in Malaysia. Thus, this paper aims to present current scenario of biomass in Malaysia covering issues on availability and sustainability of feedstock as well as current and possible utilization of oil palm biomass. This paper will also discuss feasibility of some biomass conversion technologies and some ongoing projects in Malaysia related to utilization of oil palm biomass as a source of renewable energy. Based on the findings presented, it is definitely clear that Malaysia has position herself in the right path to utilize biomass as a source of renewable energy and this can act as an example to other countries in the world that has huge biomass feedstock. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The introduction of new technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), entails a growth in digital devices, which could ultimately result in a high amount of electronic trash (e-waste) production if they are not appropriately managed. Apart from that, the regulation on possible "IoT E-waste" generation is yet to be regulated, probably due to the new development and implementation of IoT globally. Hence, this paper proposed a Sustainable IoT E-waste Management guideline for households. This guideline could assist government agencies and policymakers in their strategies, planning, development, and implementation of a sustainable household IoT e-waste management initiatives in Malaysia. This study is an exploratory study that adopts a qualitative case study research method. The guideline was developed based on the Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) Model. This guideline contributes to Malaysia's sustainability agenda in reducing carbon emissions intensity towards 2030 by 45 percent. [Display omitted] • To propose Sustainable IoT E-Waste Guideline for Household caters. • To devise a strategy for the development and implementation of IoT projects. • To develope the guideline of Sustainable IoT E-waste Management for Household. • To introduce new phenomenon called "IoT E-waste". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm wastes (OPWs) are important biomass resources, and approximately 127 million tons of OPWs are generated from the oil palm industry annually in Malaysia. The scientific and reasonable utilization of OPWs is essential to economic and environmental sustainability in the country. Pyrolysis is a mature and revolutionary technology that can convert OPWs into biofuel. The conversion of OPWs into biofuel is in accordance with the national conditions of Malaysia and can simultaneously address the problems of fossil fuel shortage and environmental deterioration. Therefore, Malaysia is the most active country in the research of OPWs pyrolysis and has achieved fruitful results. Bio-oil produced from the catalytic co-pyrolysis of OPWs with hydrogen-rich materials exhibits remarkable fuel properties. Biochar generated from OPWs pyrolysis presents huge application potential as an absorbent, catalyst, soil conditioner, and carbon sequestration agent. Consequently, the paper provides a comprehensive review of OPWs pyrolysis and lays the foundation for the exploitation of OPWs resources. [Display omitted] • Malaysia is the most active country in the research of OPWs pyrolysis. • Effects of reactors and conditions on OPWs pyrolysis are detailed. • OPWs-based biochar exhibits great application potential in various fields. • Building a pyrolysis plant near the oil palm mill is a viable and economic method. • OPWs pyrolysis has great commercial potential and economic value in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While sustainability in sports centers has recently been clarified to speed up the sustainable societal transitions under the banner of “Sport for Sustainable Development”, it seems relatively small and in need of movement to generate a significant outlook. In pursuit of this aim, the research for this paper was built upon the discussion concerning “Green Human Resource Management” practices, which emerged with the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity theoretical lens to embed sustainability in such centers. It specifies a system of the key practices to implement a cleaner sustainability strategy within the sports center that has multiple effects at the macro, meso, and micro levels of society. In an attempt to address the lack of research on such a system, a novel multi-methods approach was implemented in three sections. The first section led to identifying an initial seven-factor structure based on factor analysis of a pilot study with ninety-seven respondents from the green community of Johor Darul Ta'zim Football Association. Next, interpretive structural modeling was performed using a survey of experts' judgment to develop the initial structure. Finally, structural equation modeling was considered to test the developed model. Upon validation of the proposed model, the results revealed a seven-factor interpretive structural equation model with four levels: “performance management”, and “player involvement and empowerment”; “culture and supportive climate”, and “pay and reward systems”; “attracting and selecting”; and “training and development”, and “union role in player involvement and environmental management”. The analyses indicated that there were strong relationships between these key practices throughout the system. The system highlighted practices toward correlating “performance management”, and “player involvement and empowerment”, which constitute the foundation for implementing the system. The research findings highlighted the importance of this system in making the transition to the notion of “sustainable center” in Johor Darul Ta'zim, as well as for other sports centers throughout Malaysia and other parts of the world. Future research directions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Currently, around 90% of Malaysia's electricity generation depends on fossil fuels. This reliance, in a long run, is not a secure option. However, renewable energy sources can contribute to a sustainable electricity generation system; but diversifying fuel supply chain is a complex process. Therefore, the aim of this paper is two folds. Firstly, various renewable resources potential are reviewed, and secondly an assessment model is developed for prioritizing renewable options. Four major resources, hydropower, solar, wind, biomass (including biogas and municipal solid waste) are considered. Their electricity generation potential, along with any likely shortcoming is also discussed. Moreover, using a multi-perspective approach based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), an assessment model is developed. AHP model employs four main criteria, technical, economical, social and environmental aspects, and twelve sub-criteria. From the review it was found that renewable resources seem to have a sufficient potential to develop a sustainable electricity system. Furthermore, AHP model prioritize those resources, revealing that solar is the most favorable resource followed by biomass. Hydropower and wind however, are ranked third and fourth, respectively. The model also shows that each resource is inclined towards a particular criterion; solar towards economical, biomass towards social, hydropower towards technical, and wind towards environmental aspect. Besides reporting AHP model for the first time in Malaysian context, the assessment performed in this study, can serve decision makers to formulate long-term energy policy aiming for sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rural electrification to help rural communities improve their quality of life needs to be designed in a sustainable manner with the intention of keeping village culture and environment from eroding. Micro-hydropower systems (MHS), especially run-of river schemes, are examples of renewable energy projects that, if managed well, can be socially and environmentally sustainable. This paper presents the results of a field survey conducted in Ba'Kelalan, in Sarawak, Malaysia, where several MHS have been implemented by various funding agencies using different planning mechanisms as well as different design and operational procedures. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used in a case study comparison of two MHS in Ba'Kelalan based on criteria such as system loads, electricity tariff, the level of community involvement in the project, and the arrangements put in place for maintenance. Several barriers to sustainability were found in the operation and maintenance of the MHS due to a lack of knowledge by unskilled operators. The key lessons learnt from the case study are that sustainable development of MHS requires financial and load distribution management at the beginning of the project, as well as capacity building for both operation and maintenance personnel, as well as the community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a quantitative analysis of a low carbon society outlook for Malaysia to 2035. Findings in the Reference scenario, where current policies are extended throughout the projection period, depict an unsustainable development given an increasing spending on fossil fuels energy imports for coal in particular, and for oil and gas in the near future. While the use of fossil fuels is projected to rise, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will be increasing accordingly. An alternative scenario which promotes the introduction of Advanced Technologies demonstrates how a more extensive use of renewable energy sources and the promotion of energy efficiency across all sectors could effectively address an over reliance on fossil fuels while reducing CO2 emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of the green potential of the palm biomass industry, which contributes to Malaysia’s economic and sustainable development. An overall picture of the green development indicators of the country is provided based on the authors’ experiences in policy making, research and business development. The emerging palm biomass industry in Malaysia is foreseen to dominate the country’s directional development in the coming years, particularly when the sustainability issue is raised globally. With the increasing volume of palm oil residue accumulation due to palm oil production, palm biomass is gaining significant attention and being increasingly utilised to produce various green products as well as highly valuable biochemicals, such as bioethanol, vitamins, etc. The palm oil industry has been identified as the key industry for expansion to achieve economic advancement along with the development of greener production processes in the country. Research on palm biomass, which is actively being carried out by both private and public institutions, is categorised. Furthermore, actions and policies to promote the implementation of green technology in Malaysia, while simultaneously defending both environmental and ecological health and promoting technology transformation, are summarised. Challenges and concerns over the green future of the country are discussed, as well as the business trend in the Malaysian palm biomass industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies are necessary for sustainable economic growth, but increases in associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and the associated risk of climate change are a cause of major concern. Experts have projected that the CO2 emissions related to the energy sector will increase 130% by 2050 in the absence of new policies or supply constraints as a result of increased fossil fuel usage. To address this issue will require an energy technology revolution involving greater energy efficiency, increased renewable energies and nuclear power, and the near-decarbonisation of fossil fuel-based power generation. Nonetheless, fossil fuel usage is expected to continue to dominate global energy supply. The only technology available to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large-scale fossil fuel usage is carbon capture and storage (CCS), an essential part of the portfolio of technologies that is needed to achieve deep global emission reductions. However, CCS technology faces numerous issues and challenges before it can be successfully deployed. With Malaysia has recently pledged a 40% carbon reduction by 2020 in the Copenhagen 2009 Climate Summit, CCS technology is seen as a viable option in order to achieve its target. Thus, this paper studies the potential and feasibility of coal-fired power plant with CCS technology in Malaysia which includes the choices of coal plants and types of capture technologies possible for implementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several biofuel candidates were proposed to displace fossil fuels in order to eliminate the vulnerability of energy sector. Biodiesel and bioethanol produced from terrestrial plants have attracted the attention of the world as potential substitute. However, due to food vs. fuel competition as well as land consumption of these biofuel, they have brought much controversy and debate on their sustainability. In this respect, cultivation of macroalgae such as seaweed at sea water which does not expend arable land and fertilizers provides a possible solution for this energy issue. Carbohydrates derived from seaweeds contain hexose sugars which are suitable materials for fermentation to produce ethanol. Therefore, it is possible to produce fuel ethanol from seaweeds. The potential and prospective of seaweeds to play the role as a sustainable energy provider are demonstrated in this paper. This study offers a conceivable picture of macroalgae-based third-generation bioethanol biorefinery to stimulate the initiation of the exploration in the related field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The perception that better information on environment and development is the determinant of effective rational decision- and policy-making processes provide the impetus for global interest in the use of sustainable development indicators (SDIs). Accordingly, proposals for SDIs are framed either on organisational goals or on disciplinary and multidisciplinary theories—aiming to reduce uncertainties in choosing the best alternative among a set of options concerning sustainability. Despite the fact that many SDI initiatives are explicitly aimed at improving policy-making, it is not apparent that political settings and organisational realities are taken into consideration in designing the framework for sustainability assessment. Ignoring the realities of policy-making dynamics can result in poor institutionalisation of the SDI development process, and therefore reduced impact of indicators. Linkage of SDIs to policy processes must also take into account the complex role of information in policy processes. The importance of societal values, cultural contexts and behaviour of bureaucracies must be understood and used to assist the assessment of progress towards sustainability using SDIs. Essentially, objective knowledge must be tampered with pragmatism in governance. This paper highlights the case of SDI development in the state of Selangor where the notion of instrumental rationality is balanced with the ‘incrementalism’ of the policy process that provided the foundation for institutionalising the reporting and use of SDIs. The ideals and paradoxes of participatory decision-making, the principles of the rational model and decision-making processes within a state government are critically examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Poor environmental management of construction projects contributes greatly to environmental degradation. While many changes have been introduced in the global industry, such as the development of green materials and green building certification, limited effort has been done by stakeholders to bring about any improvement in Malaysia. Green procurement was introduced to accelerate practitioners to procure green buildings. This paper examines the interaction between two main constructs – stakeholder values and green procurement – through a questionnaire survey of experienced Malaysian construction stakeholders, extracted from an extensive literature review and validated through expert interviews. The ensuing data is then used to build a structural equation model to measure the constructs through their constituent variables, to verify if stakeholder values have a significant impact on the adoption of green procurement by an organisation or for a project. The study reveals that stakeholder values have a positive influence on shaping the green orientation of a construction procurement. The identified key stakeholder values are stakeholder commitment, technical competencies, awareness and knowledge sharing. The results show the key values needed for their procurement delivery to be on a sustainable path. The study also provides the basis for further research into green procurement for construction projects in Malaysia and beyond. Image 1 • Green procurement was introduced to accelerate practitioners to procure green buildings. • The stakeholder values have a positive influence on shaping the green orientation of a construction procurement. • The key stakeholder values needed for their procurement delivery to be on a sustainable path. • The identified key stakeholder values are stakeholder commitment, technical competencies, awareness and knowledge sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Unregulated rapid expansion of artisanal gears together with overcapacity of trawl fleet have depleted inshore fisheries. • Suboptimal fishery management performance is attributed to limited knowledge of the distribution of fish assemblages. • Generalist role of maritime enforcement agency failed to reduce IUU activities and protect fragile ecosystem. Fisheries' legal framework plays an important role in regulating and managing the proper development of sustainable fisheries. By drawing on peer-reviewed articles and gray literature, this paper reviews and summarizes selected segments on fisheries management and regulatory enforcement for demersal fisheries in Malaysia's Straits of Malacca. Like other tropical fisheries, the small-scale commercial trawl fleets in this region are multispecies and multi-gear fisheries at secluded landing sites that are comprised of low-tech fishing vessels, and similarly, they display a heavy dependence on migrant workers. Some major problems facing these tropical fisheries include overcapacity, depleted fish stocks, conflicts between commercial and traditional fleets, dramatic changes in species composition, and the stress on marine ecosystems due to human activities. Popular management strategies focus on input controls (e.g., mesh size), gear selectivity, marine protected areas, zoning systems, and licensed moratoriums. Although a legal framework exists to regulate fisheries, the suboptimal management performance may be attributed to the maritime enforcement agency's generalist role, limited knowledge on the distribution patterns of fish assemblages, inconsistencies between federal and state laws on fisheries, and a top-down management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]