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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
ICJ ruling demands climate leadership, energy transition
LETTERS: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has sent a strong message to the world: taking serious action on climate change is not just a good idea — it is a legal duty. In a landmark advisory opinion released on July 23, the ICJ confirmed that countries have clear obligations under international law to protect people and the planet from the impacts of climate change. While not legally binding, this determination by the Court carries weight. It will shape how governments, investors, companies and courts understand their responsibilities. And it puts Malaysia — as both a fossil-fuel-producing nation and a regional leader — under the spotlight. A critical element of the advisory opinion is its link between climate and human rights. "The full enjoyment of human rights cannot be ensured without the protection of the climate system," the Court said. In simple terms: we cannot live safe, healthy lives without a healthy environment. In Malaysia, we are already feeling the consequences of inaction. Floods are worsening. Heatwaves are more frequent. Haze disrupts daily life and harms health, especially for children. These aren't future threats — they are here, and the most vulnerable are hit first. So, what now? First, accelerate the energy transition. The government must end fossil fuel subsidies and redirect that money into renewable energy, public transport and support for workers in high-carbon industries. The transition must also be just — rural and lower-income communities need to benefit, not be left behind. According to the World Bank, Malaysia spent RM52 billion on blanket fossil fuel subsidies in 2022. Redirected to clean energy, that could fund 15 to 17 gigawatts of solar power — enough for over five million homes — or build thousands of megawatts of grid-scale battery storage to stabilise a renewables-powered grid. It could electrify rural areas, support transition funds for oil and gas workers, and modernise the national grid to meet future demand. In short, RM52 billion could kickstart a job-creating, emissions-cutting energy revolution. Second, regulate polluters. Companies must be held accountable for their emissions. Voluntary commitments and ESG talk are not enough. The ICJ has affirmed that governments must act to uphold their international legal obligations. And citizens, media and civil society must hold both government and business to account. Third, lead in Asean and beyond. Malaysia has a chance to shape regional climate action. We should push for shared rules across Southeast Asia on climate ambition, just transition, and environmental safeguards. The Asean 2045 Vision barely addresses climate change or fossil fuel dependency. That must change. If Asean is truly "people-centred", its vision must reflect a serious commitment to protecting its citizens — especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts. The ICJ advisory opinion gives the world a powerful tool to push for stronger, fairer climate action backed by international law. Sunway Centre for Planetary Health Sunway University, Malaysia
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Google ordered to pay Argentine pictured naked in his yard
The policeman had sought payment from the Internet giant for harm to his dignity, arguing he was behind a two-meter (6.6-foot) wall when a Google camera captured him in the buff, from behind, in small-town Argentina in 2017. — Reuters BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: An Argentine captured naked in his yard by a Google Street View camera has been awarded compensation by a court after his bare behind was splashed over the Internet for all to see. The policeman had sought payment from the Internet giant for harm to his dignity, arguing he was behind a two-meter (6.6-foot) wall when a Google camera captured him in the buff, from behind, in small-town Argentina in 2017. His house number and street name were also laid bare, broadcast on Argentine TV covering the story, and shared widely on social media. The man claimed the invasion exposed him to ridicule at work and among his neighbours. Another court last year dismissed the man's claim for damages, ruling he only had himself to blame for "walking around in inappropriate conditions in the garden of his home". Google, for its part, claimed the perimeter wall was not high enough. Appeals judges, however, concluded the man's dignity had been flagrantly violated, and awarded him an amount in Argentine pesos equivalent to about US$12,500 (RM52,843), payable by Google. "This involves an image of a person that was not captured in a public space but within the confines of their home, behind a fence taller than the average-sized person. The invasion of privacy... is blatant," they wrote. The judges said "there is no doubt that in this case there was an arbitrary intrusion into another's life." And they found there was "no justification for (Google) to evade responsibility for this serious error that involved an intrusion into the plaintiff's house, within his private domain, undermining his dignity. "No one wants to appear exposed to the world as the day they were born." The judges pointed to Google's policy of blurring the faces and license plates of people and vehicles photographed for Street View as evidence it was aware of a duty to avoid harm to third parties. But in this case, "it was not his face that was visible but his entire naked body, an image that should also have been prevented." The court absolved co-accused telecoms company Cablevision SA and news site El Censor of liability for the image spreading, saying their actions had "helped highlight the misstep committed by Google". – AFP
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
BASF Petronas pays RM52mil to settle electricity dispute
KUALA LUMPUR: BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn Bhd is paying RM52 million as final and full settlement to Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) after both parties entered into a settlement agreement over a dispute on electricity supply. Petronas Gas said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia that the transaction was made in the ordinary course of business and has been negotiated and concluded on an arm's length basis. "It is in the best interest of Petronas Gas, is fair, reasonable and on normal commercial terms, and is not detrimental to the interest of minority shareholders. "The settlement is supported by business opportunities between Petronas Gas and BASF Petronas and avoids prolonged dispute resolution processes which may lead to uncertainties in revenue recognition and financial expectations," it said. Petronas Gas and BASF Petronas had entered into a sale and purchase of electricity dated Dec 21, 1998, along with its supplementary agreements. Petronas Gas noted that between 2018 and 2019, there were disputes between the parties arising from the electricity agreement. - Bernama
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BASF Petronas makes RM52mil payout to settle electricity dispute with Petronas Gas
KUALA LUMPUR: BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn Bhd is paying RM52 million as final and full settlement to Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) after both parties entered into a settlement agreement over a dispute on electricity supply. Petronas Gas said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia that the transaction was made in the ordinary course of business and has been negotiated and concluded on an arm's length basis. "It is in the best interest of Petronas Gas, is fair, reasonable and on normal commercial terms, and is not detrimental to the interest of minority shareholders. "The settlement is supported by business opportunities between Petronas Gas and BASF Petronas and avoids prolonged dispute resolution processes which may lead to uncertainties in revenue recognition and financial expectations," it said. Petronas Gas and BASF Petronas had entered into a sale and purchase of electricity dated Dec 21, 1998, along with its supplementary agreements. Petronas Gas noted that between 2018 and 2019, there were disputes between the parties arising from the electricity agreement.
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Chin Hin Buys 2.62 Hectares Of Land In Segambut For RM52 Mln
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Chin Hin Group Property Bhd has purchased 2.63 hectares of land in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, for RM52 million. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chin Hin Property (Segambut) Sdn Bhd (CHPS), has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with New York Empire Sdn Bhd and Kar Sin Bhd for the acquisition of the said land. 'Originally planned as a collaborative development between CHGP and Kar Sin, the land will now be independently developed by CHGP into a residential or mixed development project. 'The acquisition supports CHGP's ongoing strategy of expanding its property portfolio by securing strategically located land within high-potential areas of Kuala Lumpur,' said Chin Hin. The developer said that CHGP plans to develop a high-rise development on the newly acquired land, subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. Chin Hin Group chief executive officer of the property development division, Chang Tze Yoong, said the transition from the previous joint development arrangement to full ownership of this prime land allows CHGP greater flexibility and control over the project's execution and marketing. 'Given the area's strong connectivity and market dynamics, we are confident this project will substantially contribute to our earnings growth,' he said. -- BERNAMA
