LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
@ green | January-February. 2026
KLIA power shift
THE Photovoltaic Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System( BESS) project at KLIA Aeropolis, exclusively developed for Kuala Lumpur International Airport( KLIA), represents a significant milestone in Malaysia ' s transition to renewable energy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, emphasised that this initiative was created to ensure a practical, stable, and large-scale shift to renewable energy.
During the launch ceremony of the Solar Farm and BESS, Fadillah reiterated the project’ s alignment with Malaysia’ s goal of reaching 70 per cent renewable energy usage by 2050. He highlighted KLIA ' s significance as the nation’ s main transportation hub and economic gateway, emphasising the need for a stable, secure, and high-quality energy supply to support extensive operations.
When fully completed, the project was expected to generate approximately 46 gigawatt-hours( GWh) of green electricity annually for KLIA’ s consumption, he noted. Fadillah also mentioned that the environmental benefits were substantial, with projections indicating a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by about 35,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing around 8,000 vehicles from the roads.
The Deputy Prime Minister further stated that the initiative would boost KLIA ' s competitiveness internationally, strengthening its position within the Airport Carbon Accreditation( ACA).
He presented the KLIA Aeropolis project as a strategic initiative support-
E-waste import ban
IN a significant policy shift, the importation of electronic waste( e-waste) has been fully banned under the Absolute Prohibition category of the Customs( Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, effective from Feb 4, 2026.
This decision emerged from a meeting of the Special Task Force on the Direction of Enforcement Management of Plastic Waste and E-Waste Imports, chaired by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission( MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
During the session, Azam revealed that the Department of Environment( DOE) had been directed to promptly submit an application to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to officially classify e-waste as an Absolute Prohibition under the said Customs
CLEAN ENERGY: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof unveils the KLIA Aeropolis Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System project, marking a key move towards Malaysia ' s renewable energy future.
ing Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’ s( MAHB) goal to reach a renewable energy mix of 20 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in accordance with MAHB’ s Net Zero Decarbonisation Roadmap.
This project marks a shift in the energy sector, progressing from simply increasing generation capacity to creating a more flexible, intelligent, and resilient energy system," he stated.
Fadillah also revealed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle( SPV), Cenergi Aeropolis Renewable Energy Sdn Bhd( CARE), which resulted from a strategic partnership between MAHB and Cenergi SEA. This entity is designed to oversee the project’ s implementation more systematically and with greater focus.
He recognised that while solar energy is a clean and competitive resource, its
Orders.
" The decision necessitates firm and integrated enforcement actions by all relevant agencies," he stated, emphasising that e-waste is no longer permitted and must be strictly regulated across all agencies.
Before this ban, e-waste had been classified under the ' Conditional Prohibition Except in the Manner Provided ' category in the Customs( Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. This earlier classification allowed the director-general of the DOE discretionary powers to grant exemptions for the importation of prohibited waste under certain conditions.
Further deliberations led to the establishment of a special committee to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of e-waste regulations. intermittent nature depends on weather conditions and time. Therefore, he emphasised the need for components that enhance system reliability and flexibility within the national electricity supply framework.
“ This is where the role of BESS becomes truly transformative. With energy storage systems, excess solar energy produced during the day can be stored and utilised during peak demand times, enabling more efficient management of KLIA’ s load operations and reducing costs associated with network and capacity charges," he explained.
He concluded by emphasising the importance of Malaysia’ s energy transition progressing alongside the need for a reliable electricity supply, cost efficiency, and the nation ' s economic competitiveness.
This committee will be chaired by Port Klang Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency( AKPS) Control and Protection Commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal. The committee is expected to report its findings to the Special Task Force within one week to ensure a systematic and effective approach to e-waste management.
Additionally, the Special Task Force indicated the need for detailed data to evaluate the feasibility of a three-month moratorium on the plastic waste import sector, pending a final decision.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, along with the National Solid Waste Management Department and the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation, has been tasked with studying and presenting insights to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the sector ' s economic contributions and industry requirements.
Coconut to biofuel
INSTEAD of going to waste, about 45 tonnes of coconuts smashed during Thaipusam will be transformed into biofuel as part of the Penang Island City Council’ s( MBPP) green initiative.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran announced that the coconuts had been transported to the Batu Maung Waste Transfer Station, where a designated company would shred, crush, and process them into biofuel.
“ The coconuts smashed during Thaipusam will not go to waste,” he stated, emphasising MBPP’ s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable energy generation.
During the three-day celebrations, approximately 500 MBPP workers, known as Wira Kuning, began cleanup operations as early as 5.0am each day, supported by 18 vehicles. As part of the Thaipusam ritual, devotees smashed coconuts along the procession route, symbolising the breaking of the ego in fulfilment of vows to Lord Muruga.
The coconuts were lined up and broken as the golden and silver chariots passed by. MBPP Environmental Health Assistant Officer, Muhammad Shahfezul Shaffie, pointed out that cleaners equipped with modified heavy-duty squeegees had been deployed to swiftly clear the broken coconuts, ensuring the roads remained open throughout the procession.
“ Our workforce operated in three shifts, covering the route from Little India to Jalan Kebun Bunga. Teams were positioned ahead of and behind the chariots for effective clearance,” he explained.
To oversee the cleanup, five skid steer loaders were used to push coconut husks into collection trucks.“ Without the Wira Kuning and machine support, the situation could have descended into chaos due to the sheer volume of coconuts smashed,” he emphasised.
Devotees praised the cleaners for their efficient work. Technician S. Seeta, 40, from Nibong Tebal, mentioned that the team’ s efforts ensured the rituals and prayers proceeded smoothly. Engineer R. Ammu, 54, a regular participant in the annual Thaipusam festivities, stated that MBPP’ s initiatives had significantly enhanced the experience for devotees. – @ green