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Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy

- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year.

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From EnergyMillion Tonnes · 2015–2023

3002802602402015: 247.12016: 252.52017: 241.3Trough2018: 251.22019: 255.82020: 251.22021: 258.62022: 277.42023: 284.7Peak20152017201920212023
Source: energyinst.orgLast updated: July 2026

What Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy shows

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 2.6% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of Malaysia from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country's energy-related emissions landscape, highlighting carbon emission trends, fossil fuel consumption patterns, and long-term environmental performance.

Trend

Rising to a series high

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 247.1 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+15.2%), an average of +1.8% a year. The series high was 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 241.3 Million Tonnes in 2017.

Volatility

A 15.2% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2017) is 43.40 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +7.3% in 2022.

Structure

Ranks 20 of 38 countries covered

Among the 38 countries in this dataset, Malaysia ranks 20 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (4,640 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 0.8% of the global total in 2023.

Full series

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by year

Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy, 2015–2023, Million Tonnes.
YearMillion TonnesChange vs prior year
2023Peak 284.7 +2.6%
2022 277.4 +7.3%
2021 258.6 +2.9%
2020 251.2 −1.8%
2019 255.8 +1.8%
2018 251.2 +4.1%
2017 Trough241.3 −4.4%
2016 252.5 +2.2%
2015 247.1 —

Regional context

How Malaysia compares in Asia-Pacific

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. Malaysia is highlighted.

1China
11,218
2India
2,814
3Japan
1,013
4Indonesia
701.4
5South Korea
571.2
6Australia
376.1
7Vietnam
305.4
8Malaysia
284.7

Data definition

Inclusions and exclusions

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.

Inclusions

The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability.

Exclusions

The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.

About this indicator

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.

Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects the volume of carbon dioxide released from energy production and consumption activities and serves as an important indicator of economic activity, energy demand, and progress toward emission management objectives.

Malaysia recorded 247.1 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing to 252.5 million tonnes in 2016 before declining to 241.3 million tonnes in 2017. Emissions rose again to 251.2 million tonnes in 2018 and 255.8 million tonnes in 2019. A modest decline occurred in 2020, with emissions returning to 251.2 million tonnes, reflecting reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. As economic conditions improved, emissions increased to 258.6 million tonnes in 2021, 277.4 million tonnes in 2022, and 284.7 million tonnes in 2023, the highest level during the observed period.

Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual long-term upward trend in energy-related carbon emissions despite moderate year-to-year fluctuations. Following the temporary slowdown in 2020, emissions increased consistently as industrial production, transportation activity, and electricity consumption recovered. The overall pattern reflects expanding economic development and growing energy demand alongside continuing efforts to improve energy efficiency and diversify the national energy mix.

The dataset is valuable for evaluating Malaysia's long-term emission performance, monitoring changes in carbon output from the energy sector, supporting climate policy analysis, and benchmarking national trends against regional economies. It also provides a dependable basis for forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic growth, energy demand, and environmental performance.

Indicator
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy
Country
Malaysia
Region
Asia-Pacific
Unit
Million Tonnes
Coverage
2015–2023, annual
Category
Energy & Power
Last updated
July 2026
Source
energyinst.org

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Frequently asked questions

What is Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy?

Definition- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.

What was Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy in 2023?

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 2.6% on 2022.

How has Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy changed between 2015 and 2023?

Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 247.1 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+15.2%), an average of +1.8% a year. The series high was 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 241.3 Million Tonnes in 2017.

Which year had the highest and lowest Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy?

The highest value was 284.7 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 241.3 Million Tonnes in 2017.

What does the Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy data include and exclude?

Included: The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability. Excluded: The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.

Where does the Malaysia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy data come from?

The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Tonnes.

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