THE proposal of compulsory solar panels for new homes in Sarawak by its state government would not only help the renewable energy industry in Malaysia to thrive but will also make the country a pioneer of renewable energy in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, said a DAP leader.
According to Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, the suggestion would further promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change.
“I am in the position of the highest confidence that such an initiative can be placed forward and prioritised by the unity government,” he said in a statement today (April 27).
“The installation of solar panels on rooftops of new homes provides an alternative source of energy that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are limited resources and produce harmful greenhouse gases when burned.”
The climate crisis, he added, is an ever-pressing matter that requires urgent attention, and it is certainly much better should the initiative be done earlier.
Lim further pointed out should the Sarawak government spearhead such an initiative, not only will Malaysia be the first nation in the SEA region to do so, and will be able to generate more economical, social and environmental benefits from it.
“There is a huge chance for the renewable energy industry in Malaysia to be one of the biggest powerhouses in the region, and lead the region towards a greener and cleaner future,” he asserted.
“The federal government should emulate Sarawak’s initiative by imposing new laws and regulations for both the public and private sectors to protect the environment and to tackle climate change, as it is a pressing global issue that needs urgent attention.”
On Tuesday (April 25), the Borneo Post reported state Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi as saying that discussions about the matter have been made with the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHEDA).
Last Sunday Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had instructed state-owned utility company Sarawak Energy to look into the proposal of solar-powered smart homes and more details will be announced in May. – April 27, 2023
