Executive Summary
Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than carbon dioxide over short timescales. Accurate quantification of methane emissions is therefore critical for effective climate mitigation.
This technical report reviews current methane emission data, reporting practices, and research coverage in Malaysia, with particular emphasis on gaps arising from reliance on Tier-1 emission factors and limited direct measurements. Drawing on national reports, international databases, and peer-reviewed literature, the report identifies sector-specific data limitations and outlines priority areas for future methane research and monitoring in Malaysia.
Why This Report Matters
- Supports evidence-based climate policy and reporting in Malaysia.
- Identifies critical knowledge and data gaps in methane inventories.
- Informs future measurement, monitoring, and research strategies.
- Contributes to Malaysia’s international climate commitments (e.g., UNFCCC reporting).
This report is intended for researchers, policymakers, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners working on greenhouse gas mitigation.
Scope of the Report
The report examines methane emissions across four major sectors in Malaysia:
- Energy
- Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU)
- Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
- Waste
It integrates information from national inventories, government agencies, academic studies, and international datasets, and applies structured gap-analysis and literature screening methods.
Suggested Citation
Yusup, Y., Latif, M.T., Abdul Halim, N.D., Mohd Nadzri, M.S., Abdul Hamid, H.H., Othman M., Ooi, M., Jamshidi, E.J., and Choong, K.H. 2025. Methane in Malaysia: A Report on Sources, Data, and Research Needs (Report No. 01/2025). School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia. https://indtech.usm.my/index.php/info-gateway/downloads/92-research?download=650:methane-in-malaysia-v01-2025
About the Institutions
School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is committed to advancing education, research, and innovation in environmental, food, bioprocess, and bioresource technologies. The school champions interdisciplinary research that supports national sustainability goals of Malaysia.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
UKM is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation across a wide range of disciplines - from the sciences and engineering to medicine, social sciences, and humanities. The university fosters a vibrant research ecosystem, contributing significantly to national development through high-impact research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
EDF is a global nonprofit environmental organization. Guided by science, economics, and climate justice, it develops practical, lasting solutions to urgent environmental problems worldwide. EDF works across more than 30 countries to reduce pollution, curb greenhouse-gas emissions (especially methane), protect ecosystems, and safeguard human health and environmental equity.
For Correspondence
Yusri Yusup
School of Industrial Technology
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
11800 Penang, Malaysia.
Keywords: Methane; CH₄; Malaysia; greenhouse gases, emissions inventory.
Document type: Report
Version: 1.0
