Minister Welcome
The Honourable Loke Siew Fook serves as the Minister of Transport in the Unity Government under Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, having been sworn in on 3rd December 2022. As Minister, he is committed to a world-class public transportation as a means to alleviate traffic congestion and deliver sustainable mobility. To this end, Mr Loke is focused on improving the efficiency and reliability of Malaysia’s public transportation on top of cultivating a culture of maintenance for these critical infrastructures and related facilities. He also wants to enhance road safety in the country. Mr Loke is an advocate for the digitisation of key government services, having overseen the digitisation of the bidding system for car number plates under the Road Transport Department (JPJ) during his first stint as the Minister of Transport from May 2018 to February 2020. Mr Loke is pressing ahead with the digitisation agenda with the firm belief that it will provide a more seamless and satisfactory experience for the public.
Transcript
Loke Siew Fook:Thank you. Malaysia Airports, the host for CAPA Asia Aviation Summit and Sustainability 2023, Centre for Aviation, CAPA Group, esteemed aviation industry leaders, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning to all of you. Selamat datang ke Malaysia. It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of you to our beautiful Malaysia for the CAPA Asia Aviation Summit 2023. As Malaysia's Minister of Transport, I am honoured to stand before you today as we come together to share insights and discuss the future of aviation in our region. The past years have been challenging for global aviation. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption, causing tremendous financial and operational strain. It forced us to adopt and innovate, to find ways to ensure the safety of our passengers and goods, as well as the viability of our aviation sector. I am proud to say that the Malaysian aviation industry has shown resilience, and adaptability during these very trying times. Following the full reopening of international borders, international passenger traffic has grown at an average of 80.9% quarter-on-quarter. The approved international air traffic rights also saw a year-on-year increase of 246%, underscoring the steady revival of the international market. Total passenger traffic stood at 73% of pre-pandemic level in 2019. This resurgence is a testament to the tremendous potential of the aviation sector in Malaysia and the region. To the aviation players local and abroad that are still navigating turbulence, Ministry of Transport is ready to collaborate and facilitate in overcoming hurdles that you are facing in Malaysia, please reach out to us. While we foresee a full recovery in passenger traffic by 2024, it is imperative we aim higher, look further, and anticipate the evolving challenges of the industry. In the face of the greater threat in the form of climate change, the urgent adoption of sustainable practices is paramount. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation or CORSIA, serves as an important framework for the aviation industry's green transition. Regulators, however, must foster an environment that both champions and expedites its effective implementation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that aviation evolves sustainably, efficiently, and safely— goals that Malaysia is deeply committed to. I would like to take this opportunity today to applaud the efforts of your host today, Malaysia Airports, which has been at the forefront of sustainable practices. Among the initiatives include the production of solar power at various key airports and their achievement in renewing KLIA's Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation by Airports Council International. This demonstrates their dedication to transitioning towards a sustainable, low-carbon future within the aviation industry. Our goal is to address the pressing issue of carbon emissions while positioning Malaysia as a hub for sustainable aviation solutions. We recognise that this will require collaboration, investment in research and development, and incentives to boost the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. Our vision for the Malaysian aviation sector is deeply rooted in sustainability. It is outlined in the National Transport Policy 2019 to 2030, which emphasises the efficient and sustainable use of resources while minimising environmental pollution. We understand the pressing need to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a greener future. We are dedicated to this cause, and are actively working towards sustainable practices and solutions. To supplement this vision, Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap, released in August this year, addressed the need for clarity and guidance in the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. The Transport Ministry is presently developing an Aviation Decarbonisation Roadmap, and in collaboration with the aviation industry, will be crucial. The Ministry of Plantation, Industries and Commodities has also been tasked with developing investment incentives for sustainable aviation fuels production and infrastructure, as well as a comprehensive framework for long-term blending mandates. We are committed to a holistic approach to aviation sustainability, including technical efficiency and expertise, technological improvements, and market-based measures. Malaysia is privileged to host this prestigious summit, particularly during this very critical juncture. We recognise the importance of such gatherings in advancing our shared goals in the aviation sector. I am also pleased to share that we will be organising the Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. Its success will depend on a robust aviation network. I look forward to having more flights and connectivity between Malaysia and the region. At the same time, it is important that we lay the groundwork to ensure the expansion that will be done sustainably. As we convene over the next few days, I encourage all of you to engage in enlightening discussions and exchange ideas on best practices that will pave the way for a more sustainable future. Let us work together to ensure our skies remain clear, our industry flourishes, and our legacy endures for generations to come. I want to express my gratitude to each one of you for your commitment to the aviation industry, your dedication to sustainability, and your presence here at this summit. I am confident that CAPA Asia Aviation Summit 2023 will be a milestone event, and the knowledge gained here will shape the future of aviation in our region. Once again, I would like to welcome all of you to Malaysia, and hope that you will have a good and enjoyable stay here in Malaysia, and hope that you can stay here longer for your holidays. Thank you, and may we have a productive and successful summit. Thank you, Minister Loke Siew Fook.
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