Analysis of optimal options for CO2 emissions reduction in Malaysian transportation sector

Malaysia aims to reduce CO2 emissions intensity by up to 45% by 2030 based on its 2005 levels. This paper presents an analysis on optimal CO2 emissions reduction in Malaysian road transport sector using a linear programming CO2 minimisation model. Sensitivity analysis was also applied to investigate the effects of mitigation measures such as low carbon fuels, fuel efficiency improvement, travel demand management, and integrated mitigation strategies on CO2 emissions. The results demonstrated that the optimal CO2 emissions in the road transport sector could be reduced by only 2.8% (1.14 Mtons CO2) in a year. However, a reduction of up to 40% (16.44 Mtons CO2) could be achieved if integrated mitigation measures were implemented. Moving forward, Malaysia should intensify the ongoing efforts and promote fuel efficiency and green investment to achieve the intended CO2 emissions reduction.