TAPPING into renewable energy can help businesses reduce energy costs and cope with current economic challenges.
This was what Kompleks Bukit Jambul (KBJ) in Penang did and the move is now paying dividends, according to its joint management committee chairman Datuk KH Chan.
The shopping centre installed solar panels in December after seeing electricity bills rise by about RM1mil last year.
“We were the first strata mall in the state to adopt green energy and this has resulted in significant savings,” said Chan.
“With conflicts in Europe and the Middle East leading to global uncertainty and rising costs across all sectors, such initiatives can be invaluable in helping businesses remain competitive.”
Chan said since the installation of the solar panels, the mall’s monthly savings averaged about RM18,000.
He said this at KBJ’s Media Appreciation Night 2024, which was held in a restaurant in George Town.
About 20 representatives from various print and electronic media were in attendance, alongside a dozen mall staff and committee members.
They were treated to a scrumptious dinner and during the karaoke session that followed, many belted out their favourite numbers in various languages.
“KBJ houses mostly Malaysian small and medium-sized businesses and we are thankful for the media’s help in promoting them, which indirectly helps Penang’s economy.”
Guests went home with prizes that included shopping and dining vouchers, hotel stay, mobile phone accessories and even a brand new Samsung tablet.
Chan said the mall’s “Spend and Win” shoppers’ reward contest was ongoing until the end of the year, offering prizes totalling about RM588,000.
The grand prize of a Toyota Vellfire awaits one lucky winner.
Meanwhile, there is also a “Biggest Offer Bin” sale offering good deals until today.
