The Department of Environment (DOE) is amending the Environmental Quality Regulations (Refrigerant Management) 1999 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to eliminate hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC).

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dr James Dawos Mamit said the amendment is at the final stage and expected to be fully enforced in 2015 to eliminate HCFCs by 2030.

“Malaysia has come up with strategies and plans to eliminate HCFC involving conversion of technology in foam manufacturing, air-conditioners and refrigerators.

“The Department of Environment is amending regulations to control the use of HCFC in the manufacturing and service sectors,” he told reporters after launching International Ozone Day 2013 and opening a seminar on the Elimination of HCFC Management Plan in Putrajaya today.

Also present was the director-general of the Department of Environment, Halimah Hassan.

He said HCFC are ozone destroying substances with global warming potential of 2,000 times higher than carbon dioxide.

By supporting the HCFC elimination plan, Malaysia will contribute to the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer and the global climate system.

Dawos said the government is encouraging industries using ozone-destroying substances to convert to technology,  ozone and environmental friendly products.

“Parties involved in the construction of new buildings must be prepared to install air-conditioning systems that use alternatives to HCFC,” he added.

From Jan 1, 2010, Malaysia had stopped importing chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), halon and carbon tetrachloride, respecting the Montreal Protocol on the elimination of substances that deplete the ozone layer.

- Bernama