Malaysia Making Strides Towards Clean And Renewable Energy – Minister Of NRECC

Malaysia is on the right track towards clean and renewable energy with the cumulative energy related to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions expected to be reduced by 40% from 70% by 2050, said the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment & Climate Change (NRECC), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“According to the World Economic Forum’s latest Energy Transition Index, Malaysia ranked a respectable 39th, with system performance at 69% and transition readiness at 60%,” he said at the World Consumer Rights Day Seminar. The one-day seminar, held at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Convention Centre, TNB Platinum Tower in Kuala Lumpur was organised by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) in collaboration with TNB.

The seminar engaged more than 200 participants across private and public sectors, civil society, key consumer groups, workers, women, and youths. The seminar served as a platform to exchange ideas and to strengthen collaboration between various stakeholders in both public and private sectors; showcasing Malaysia’s continuous commitment towards elevating energy literacy under the Malaysia Energy Literacy Program (MELP).

Stressing that in this energy transition journey, the Energy Commission will ensure that energy security in Malaysia is maintained at its most optimal level, he said this transformation into clean energy would not only support consumers through the cost-of-living crisis but would
also, help in ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.

 

“One of the first decisions of the new government was to start the change towards targeted subsidies in the Imbalance Cost Pass Through (ICPT) mechanism. To continue protecting the most deserving domestic consumers, SMEs, and the agricultural sector, the other consumers
must pay as close as possible to the market rate for electricity.”

Amidst the deepening energy crisis globally and the uncertain economic scenario and supply chain disruptions post-pandemic, Nik Nazmi said many consumers across the world are radically changing their lifestyles to continue to be able to access essential needs. He also
cited The Consumers International’s latest survey, in which over 80% of consumers are adjusting their budgets to pay their energy bills.

While the participation of all sectors is needed in the energy transition, he said there are simple measures that ordinary consumers can do to reduce energy wastage. These include turning off electrical appliances when they are not in use, embracing smart solutions such as leveraging smart meters to monitor energy consumption and identify areas where energy can be saved, and installing rooftop solar panels to generate energy and reduce bills.

Noting that comprehensive and dynamic policies are essential to motivate consumers to better manage their electricity consumption, Nik Nazmi said his Ministry plans to table an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) this year. Once in place, the Act will enable Malaysia to regulate energy efficiency and conservation. It will also spur consumers to adopt more efficient equipment and appliances as well as better manage their energy consumption, thus reducing wastage with better productivity.

Meanwhile, TNB President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Indera Ir. Baharin Din reiterated the company’s commitment to leading the implementation of the energy transition with the aspiration of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the country’s agenda to deal with climate change.

“Malaysia sees a need to elevate energy literacy among its citizens. In March 2023, NRECC and TNB launched the MELP. By increasing energy literacy, we can promote a generation of Malaysian consumers that understand the importance of energy, are able to think through the sustainability of energy systems and can use energy more effectively and in a responsible manner.”

World Consumer Rights Day 2023 carried the theme ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’. This year’s theme aims to focus on the role of consumers to push for a faster clean energy transition even as the energy crisis over the past year has pushed most of the world into a cost-of-living crisis. Energy Commission’s CEO, Dato’ Ir. Ts. Abdul Razib Dawood moderated the seminar with active participation from the attendees. Overall, the seminar brought conversations on advocating for clear policies, increasing efforts on consumer awareness and education, increasing renewable energy, promoting collaboration and cooperation among agencies and consumers, and most importantly the need to find a balance between energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability and its impact on everyday lives of Malaysian consumers.

source:https://solarquarter.com/