The award recognises the best efforts made by individuals, businesses and govt servants in adopting RE and energy-efficient practices 

A TOTAL of 34 industry players won the National Energy Awards (NEA), while 25 won the Asean Energy Awards (AEA) 2021.

Present during the ceremony was Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (picture) who was proud to mention there was an increase in the number of entries since the NEA was introduced back in 2018. 

“The energy transition agenda which has dominated the world climate change forum has received serious attention from the Malaysian government. 

“Recognising its importance, the prime minister has announced during his 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) regarding the country’s aim to achieve a target zero net of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 2050,” he said in welcome remarks. 

This proves that Malaysia is determined to collaborate with the rest of the world in tackling climate change as we only contributed less than 0.7% of the world’s GHG. 

Takiyuddin said the country’s commitment and aspiration is an optimistic vision, which is farsighted and in line with the Malaysian family spirit, to create a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Malaysia. 

“The implementation of the country’s aspirations will be supported through the implementation of various low-carbon and carbon footprint reduction initiatives formulated under the ‘Accelerating Green Growth’ focus area of the 12MP.” 

The award ceremony was organised by KeTSA which aims to encourage local sustainable energy industry players in continuing their efforts to support the government’s national energy policy agenda and towards a carbon-zero nation. 

The award recognises the best efforts made by both individuals, businesses and government servants in adopting renewable energy (RE) and energy-efficient practices. 

Takiyuddin said the government has formed the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) which sets the country’s direction and guidance for developing its RE industry until 2035. 

These initiatives also include launching the Green Electricity Tariff programme to enable corporate companies to subscribe to green electricity supply from solar and hydro sources to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. 

It also has successfully received encouraging responses where all 4,500 gigawatt per hours of green electricity have been fully subscribed by the second week of March. 

Moreover, the NEW NOVA programme encourages the installation of solar panels on top of buildings nationwide as it offers an additional capacity quota of 300MW while the SAVE 3.0 pro-gramme provides rebates up to RM400 to domestic consumers who purchase energy-efficient electrical appliances with a 4- or 5-star rating by the Energy Commission Malaysia. 

On the other hand, the Conditional Energy Audit and Energy Management Grant in the Industrial and commercial sector is worth RM24 million which aims to assist businesses in conducting energy audits. 

This is through identifying potential electricity savings in their respective premises and installations. 

Malaysia’s RE capacity in its electricity supply has reached 23% by 2021 and this proves that we are on the right track in implementing the energy transition agenda.

KeTSA is confident that the GHG emission in the electricity supply sector will be reduced by 45% in 2025 and 60% in 2035 compared to 2005 which is in line with Malaysia’s commitment under the Paris Climate Change Agreement to reduce GHG emission intensity by 45% by 2030.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has won the NEA 2021 for the Energy Efficient Building category. 

It said the Best Large Green Building award showed a very significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen sustainable development in Malaysia. 

“The award is a testament to MCMC’s commitment to the principles and values under the concept of ESG, which emphasises a balance between progress and harmony in every initiative implemented,” MCMC said in a statement. 

“MCMC’s environmental sustainability development is also in line with the 12MP, which focuses on a green economy approach and the government’s ambition, to become a carbon-neutral country as early as 2050,” it added. 

MCMC said efforts taken to achieve green building status included focusing on energy saving, water efficiency, as well as indoor environmental quality and sustainability. 

“MCMC will remain committed to leading the development of environmental sustainability and green development for the benefit of future generations,” it said.

Source : The Malaysian Reserve