Can you imagine Malaysia without electricity? While we are not a perfect country, we have access to a steady electricity supply or else we wouldn’t get to enjoy the likes of games, social media and TV shows.
The initiatives to making electricity accessible for the whole of Malaysia don't just stop there. In fact, we are working towards diversifying energy sources for a future with a sustainable, reliable and affordable way of life.
In fact, we bet that you didn't know about these 6 things that are happening in our country, all geared towards creating a much greener Malaysia and Earth.
Want to learn about the latest technologies and trends relating to the developing energy ecosystems of Malaysia, Southeast Asia and the world? Subscribe to Energy Watch and you'll be rewarded with the most recent and related news that is shaping the world today.
Subscribe for Energy Transformation News!
1. Malaysia's low electricity price 
Malaysia has one of the world's lowest electricity prices, did you know that?
The electricity industry is commonly regulated by the government in most Southeast Asian countries. Meanwhile, countries like the United Kingdom and some states in the United States have several energy companies that base their prices on the principles of supply and demand.
In Malaysia, our sole electricity provider uses an electricity cost-adjustment mechanism, called ‘Imbalanproce Cost Pass-Through (ICPT)’ to provide customers with a tariff rebate or surcharge. It basically projects whether the costs of power generation are below or above the government’s initial project costs.
On average, global electricity prices are 0.139 USD per kWh, with Germany’s prices topping the chart at 0.375 USD. Compared to this figure, Malaysia’s electricity price stands at 0.059 USD per kWh. Neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore stand at 0.103 USD, 0.122 USD and 0.159 USD respectively.
By making electricity accessible, it helps to lead a better life for all, including literacy which contributes to sustaining a healthy and educated population.
2. There are smart street lights in Malaysia!
Smart streetlights are taking over the world by storm these days! This move is said to deliver 50% energy savings and save over 735 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
And what better way is there than to observe this in Malacca city? The project was started in the city back in 2016. From there, about 1,000 cloud-based smart streetlights were implemented to test their functionality. This initiative bore success.
Not only that but there has been collaboration with UNITEN University to incorporate smart street lighting in Putrajaya as well!
3. We are reducing LED replacements across the country
Speaking of which, there's already an implementation of over 463 thousand LED replacements with smart street lights across Malaysia. This move so far has helped to reduce electricity consumption and about 40% of electricity bill costs amongst local authorities.
The initiative is projected to help with approximately RM 200 million of savings in LED replacements. Implementation is still ongoing to further realise the move within Malaysia.
4. Malaysia's big potential on green hydroelectric projects
The Nenggiri Hydroelectric Dam Project in Kelantan is a sheer example of taking advantage of the state’s monsoon seasons. It’s said to serve 6.96 million registered users of electricity in the Peninsula reliably and securely.
This project also aids Kelantan in mitigating floods while providing a clean water supply and electricity to rural areas.
To be frank, dams aren’t always the best news as there’s the need to damage and change the flora and fauna ecosystem. What more, Malaysia is home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, which is important to preserve and fight against global warming.
Thankfully, green initiatives are expanded beyond the dam project. Through habitat rehabilitation initiatives, those responsible are actively replanting tree seedlings and introducing eco-tourism activities such as fish sanctuaries at sites affected by their operations.
Not only that, but they are also working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of affected livelihoods such as fishermen as well as fair displacements to the Orang Asli community.
Onboard this project is also the Malaysia Design Development Centre (DDEC). One of their initiatives is to provide light for the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Delam and enable reading at night for children amongst other basic needs.
5. Implementation of smart meters into your homes
Yay to technology! There's actually an ongoing implementation of smart meters for everyone’s convenience and for transparency.
Smart meters are integrated, connected mechanisms that enable consumers to easily monitor their utilisation of electricity.
With this, users can access their updated electricity bills at any time with their mobile apps. That means easier management, planning and payment for bills accurately!
Besides, these smart meters also help users to understand the impacts of their energy consumption choices. Everyone can learn to be more prudent in saving money on electricity as well as avoid unnecessary use of energy itself to ultimately reduce its negative impacts on Earth.
6. There will be more EV charging stations across Malaysia
Currently, there are around 30 million vehicles in Malaysia. You can imagine the amount of carbon emission we produce which is bad for the environment. To reduce its own carbon footprints, Malaysia pledged to reduce carbon emissions intensity per GDP by 45% by 2030.
Some of you are aware of the benefits of owning electric vehicles (EV). But you also know that Malaysia’s EV scene is still at an infancy stage due to the costs and complications of maintenance. Thankfully, this may be gone in the near future!
Malaysia has vowed to increase up to 125,000 charging stations by 2030 (Clean Malaysia, 2017). So far, there are almost 300 EV charging stations in place throughout Malaysia.
Additionally, there are efforts to promote cycling and the use of public transport with hybrid electric vehicles as the foundation in lowering carbon transport for Malaysians.
Love what you’ve learned today? Learn more about the insights and industry of energy resources around the world by subscribing to Energy Watch!
Here, you can explore the latest technologies, trends and important topics on the developing energy ecosystems of Malaysia, Southeast Asia and more.
Click below to start reading on Energy Watch today and enjoy the evolution of energy sources that are taking the world by storm.