Environmental Tariffs for Sustainable Maritime Shipping in Malaysia: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Literature Review of Policy Readiness and Stakeholder Perspectives

Abstract

Maritime shipping plays a vital role in global trade, but it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Malaysia, environmental tariffs as market-based policy tools remain underutilized despite international evidence of their potential for reducing emissions. This paper presents a PRISMA-based Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to evaluate policy readiness, stakeholder acceptance, and operational feasibility for implementing environmental tariffs in Malaysia’s maritime sector, with a focus on Port Klang (Westport). Searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from 2013 to 2024 using targeted Boolean search strategies. Of 90 initially identified studies, 15 met the inclusion criteria after a rigorous screening process. Thematic analysis revealed four core areas: institutional readiness, stakeholder perspectives, policy integration, and technological measures. Comparative insights from Europe, China, and ASEAN show that phased implementation, pilot programmes, and targeted incentives enhance success. The findings inform a conceptual policy model aimed at building regulatory capacity, engaging stakeholders, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to support Malaysia’s maritime decarbonisation goals.