Malaysia’s voluntary carbon market platform Bursa Carbon Malaysia ( BCX ) is gearing up for a transformative 2025 with targeted initiatives and expanded services.
Reflecting on its 2024 achievements, BCX, it says, aims to solidify its role as a pioneer in carbon trading within Southeast Asia while embracing further innovation to enhance market liquidity and accessibility.
In 2024, BCX celebrated its two-year operational anniversary, achieving milestones in both carbon credit and renewable energy certificates ( RECs ) markets. Noteworthy auctions included Malaysian nature-based and technology-based carbon credits, such as a Sabah-based rainforest conservation project and biogas initiatives in China and Cambodia, which BCX says, underlies its commitment to promoting local and international environmental projects.
In addition, the platform introduced Malaysian RECs, expanding its portfolio to include solar, bioenergy and small hydro-based RECs, and it has plans to trade global RECs in 2025. This diversification aligns with BCX’s strategic pivot to becoming a multi-environmental product exchange, supporting Malaysia’s broader sustainability objectives.
By the end of 2025, BCX, which is Shariah compliant, aims to make these certificates available on demand, opening the door to international participants and diversifying the platform’s market reach.
Alongside this, the platform is launching Malaysia’s first tech-based carbon credits derived from innovative waste-handling projects. This pivot towards technology, it states, underscores its focus on scalable solutions for emissions reduction.
To accelerate market growth, BCX will also roll out measures to encourage broader participation. Initiatives, such as hosting the third Malaysia Carbon Market Forum in October 2025, will foster collaboration among stakeholders while providing a platform for knowledge sharing.
At the same time, the platform is lowering barriers for new participants with incentives, such as zero onboarding fees and additional tax deductions for eligible carbon projects. These steps are designed to make Malaysia’s carbon market more accessible and attractive to a wider audience.
Supporting these efforts is a strong emphasis on building the necessary infrastructure and compliance frameworks. And BCX is deepening its integration with international standards, such as Verra and the Gold Standard, to enhance the credibility and appeal of its platform.
