@Green March/April 2024 | Page 9

March-April . 2024 | @ green Cover Story • 09

March-April . 2024 | @ green Cover Story • 09

robust financial strategies and stringent regulatory frameworks to underpin high-quality water services .
Meanwhile , energy plays a pivotal role in Malaysia ’ s economic advancement .
“ PETRA works closely with various line agencies and departments such as the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of International Trade and Investment to ensure the development of a conducive energy sector .
“ Further to that , PETRA also collaborates with various private sectors , including utilities and energy companies , to ensure the development of a sustainable and future-proof energy sector to support Malaysia ’ s energy transition agenda .”
INNOVATIVE PROJECTS SHAPING THE FUTURE
According to Fadillah , shifting end-use consumption to renewable energy sources is critical to lowering Malaysia ’ s carbon footprint and reaching net zero emissions by 2050 . Following this pledge , the ministry announced numerous significant efforts to promote Malaysia ’ s net zero ambitions , including :
• To dramatically raise the installed renewable energy ( RE ) power capacity objective to 70 per cent by 2050 , up from 26 per cent today and 40 per cent by 2035 . This involves the progressive reduction and eventual phase-out of existing coal power facilities .
• To encourage the broad use of rooftop and floating solar panels , particularly those on government buildings and brownfields , to harness Malaysia ’ s enormous solar resources while minimising environmental damage . Efforts are underway to enhance consumer access to renewable energy sources , particularly for enterprises , to help them meet their specific Environmental , Social , and Governance ( ESG ) commitments .
Fadillah also addressed the ministry ’ s plans to investigate the establishment of interconnectors and cross-border renewable energy trade with adjacent nations to accelerate the implementa- tion of the ASEAN Power Grid initiative .
ADDRESSING CRITICISMS WITH TRANSPARENCY AND ENGAGEMENT
He remarked Malaysia ’ s power and water industries need rate revisions due to the gap between existing pricing and actual costs . Stakeholder engagement and open communication are the ministry ’ s approach to adapting policies to feed- back and changing conditions . Learning from global best practices and raising awareness are also vital .
“ We are committed to open communication and engagement with stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that our sustainability initiatives reflect the needs and aspirations of the Malaysian people .” Fadillah reaffirmed the ministry ’ s commitment to improving sector poli- cies and adjusting priorities to meet the nation ’ s long-term goals .
In response to public concerns , the ministry is collaborating and adapting to close the tariffservice cost gap . They strive to create trust and navigate criticism by engaging stakeholders and being transparent while providing sustainable and inexpensive services .
The ministry seeks to adapt plans to changing sector dynamics and national goals by drawing on global experiences and prioritising public awareness .
“ We are committed to open communication and engagement with stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that our sustainability initiatives reflect the needs and aspirations of the Malaysian people .”
energy sources .
“ The NETR outlines a fair and responsible shift towards renewable energy ( RE ) in Malaysia , aiming for an ambitious 70 per cent installed capacity target by 2050 .
“ The realisation of the roadmap is slated to raise the renewable energy share in our Total Primary Energy Supply from four per cent to 23 per cent by 2050 .”
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Fadillah explained that the ministry collaborated extensively with Federal and State-level ministries and agencies to ensure a sustainable and dependable water and electricity supply .
“ Through regulatory oversight , financial support , and stringent frameworks ,
we aim to guarantee the success of our sustainability ity initiatives .”
“ In the water sector , regulatory oversight by the National Water Services Commission ion ( SPAN ) ensures consistent monitoring and regulation of services to maintain optimal quality for the public .”
Funding for water supply projects is secured through joint efforts between the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance , utilising ising grants or loans .
This collaborative strategy tegy highlights the importance of preserving a sustainable and reliable water supply while emphasising the imperative e for
Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR CHANGE
The ministry has launched the ‘ Kempen Jimat Air ’ project as part of the Water Efficiency Product and Labelling Scheme ( WEPLS ), which aims to promote the use of water-saving products such as show- erheads , taps , and toilet bowls while also encouraging public participation in sustainable water practices .
This project helps lower total water demand and educates the public about the need for water conservation . By emphasising the economic benefits , such as lower utility bills and environ- mental impacts , the scheme effectively connects individual actions to larger water sustainability goals , reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving long-term water conserva- tion goals . – @ green