PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will focus on rehabilitation, enhancing protected area networks and advocating for the adoption of nature-based solutions to strengthen climate resilience.

Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Malaysia, as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, is a "biodiversity superpower".

He added that because of this status, the world expects Malaysia to play a prominent and proactive role in leading transformative change in biodiversity conservation to address biodiversity loss.

"Almost every megadiverse country has centres of excellence for biodiversity management. However, Malaysia is one of the few countries without a national biodiversity centre.

"Although Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang established state-level biodiversity centres earlier, there is an undeniable need for a national-level centre to complement the state efforts," he said at the launch of IOI's Sustain Roadmap (ISR) 2030 here today.

Nik Nazmi noted that the Malaysia Biodiversity Centre (MBC) will focus on managing biodiversity data, coordinating research, providing training, organising outreach, offering advisory services, and attracting visitors.

He added that the establishment of the MBC is steadily becoming a reality, with recent developments showing promising outcomes.

However, Nik Nazmi said that for the MBC to perform its functions effectively, it must equip itself with cutting-edge facilities and benchmark its performance against the world's leading biodiversity centres.

He said these include strong scientific research programmes, high-quality facilities for specimen storage, engaging public outreach, modern labs, partnerships with top global universities and research institutions, and comprehensive database facilities.

"The government cannot accomplish these needs on its own, despite its best efforts. This is where corporate bodies and philanthropies could play a vital role.

"MBC, as a premier visitor centre, will showcase the wonders of Malaysia's biodiversity, offering people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience biodiversity firsthand and deepen their understanding of nature," he noted.

Meanwhile, IOI Properties Group Bhd today launched the ISR 2030, a strategic blueprint designed to drive sustainable progress across all facets of the group's operations.

The ISR 2030 outlines 12 strategic pillars driving the group's initiatives towards addressing pertinent economic, environmental, social and governance (EESG) aspects.

The blueprint focuses on strategic initiatives to address climate change, biodiversity, waste management, sustainable finance, supply chain management, employee well-being as well as sustainability risks and opportunities.

Through ISR 2030, IOI Properties will continue to create sustainable developments, ensuring long-term value creation while supporting global climate goals.

The group also made another stride towards its net-zero aspirations by energising the largest mall PV solar system at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, the largest mall in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

This was in partnership with TERA VA Sdn Bhd whereby the four megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system is expected to generate 19,279 gigajoules (GJ) of energy with expected carbon emissions avoidance of 4,059.34 tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO2) annually.

It will complement the mall's existing 3.5 MWp system with 3,358 tCO2 emissions avoidance per year.

With the completion of solar panels at IOI City Mall Phase 2 and Palm Garden Golf Club, the total installed capacity is expected to increase to 9.05 MWp by the end of the year, with expected annual avoided emissions of 9,170.53 tCO2.

IOI Properties group chief operating officer (property development) Teh Chin Guan said the group is strategically investing in solar energy generation for properties within its portfolio, including sales galleria, retail malls, office towers and landed residential products.

He added that these investments contribute significantly to overall emission reductions towards the group's low carbon objectives.

Tera is one of IOI Properties' partners in its journey of sustainability, particularly in renewable energy investment and emissions reduction.

In January 2024, the group appointed Tera to house, install and maintain a solar PV system to supply renewable energy for IOI City Mall's day-to-day operations requirements.