He said the roadmap will serve as an action plan to reduce carbon emissions in the air transport sector and promote the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“The new initiative could contribute to various new economic sectors, such as renewable energy.

“It will be a policy and guide on how we can become a more efficient nation and contribute to the global reduction of carbon emissions,” he said in a speech at the ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

At a press conference later, Loke said the Cabinet had endorsed and approved the implementation of the decarbonisation blueprint.

He said the roadmap will involve airlines and airport operators, and was formulated as part of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation guidelines.

“The blueprint was completed with the input of many airlines. We will discuss the final version and once we finish our meeting (with stakeholders), we will launch the blueprint,” he said.

In February, Loke announced that airlines would be allowed to impose additional fees to cover their carbon emissions, though it will be “at a very minimal cost” and not mandatory.

Malaysia has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.