GREEN TECH, THE WAY FORWARD FOR MSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Green technology is the way forward for
Malaysia as it will not only provide the economy with a potential area of growth
but also project the country as forward-looking.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui said
Malaysia's competitiveness in the world can be enhanced through the efficient
use of electricity and through the deployment of green technology.

In an interview with the Oxford Business Group, he said Malaysia must create
an economy that is vibrant and can attract foreign investors.

" Malaysia has to successfully clinch a good deal on new sources of energy
at the opportune time.

" This will help ensure the country's export sector is able to compete with
neighbouring countries rather than find itself hindered by high electricity
tariffs.

" We do not want our goods to be labelled as not being environmentally
friendly or not sustainable. We need to be comparable to international countries
that are successful in global trade," he explained in the interview with the
global publishing, research and consultancy firm.

He acknowledged that there were restrictions on some sources of green
energy, such as solar power which was still expensive, and biomass which
required further technological advancement.

However, Chin said hydro electric power could be a significant source of
green energy, especially for the Bakun Dam, but it was unrealistic to expect it
to make up the bulk of Malaysia's renewable energy mix.

-- BERNAMA