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Market Chatter: Malaysia Postpones Planned Carbon Tax Amid Middle East Worries

-- Malaysia has delayed its planned carbon tax implementation, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, The Star reported Tuesday, citing Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Arthur Joseph Kurup.

The tax, which was previously expected to start this year for sectors such as iron, steel and energy, has been deferred to avoid adding pressure on industries and consumers. Kurup said the government will instead prioritize setting up a carbon credit framework, including verification systems and a national carbon registry, reportedly.

The National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK), approved on April 1, will serve as the basis for Malaysia's participation in both voluntary and compliance carbon trading markets. He added that Malaysia remains committed to emissions reduction targets for 2035 and its net-zero goal by 2050, while continuing to push the green transition, the news outlet said.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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