Jagdeep (centre) with Blair (left) and Ilamaran opening Dialight’s new facility in Perai. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
British firm opens RM30mil LED lighting factory in Perai, two Singapore sister companies invest a total RM6.2bil in the state
PENANG’S economy has received a boost with the opening of a new LED lighting manufacturing facility in Perai, while major foreign solar and green technology investments continue to pour into the state.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state was determined to combine technology with its green agenda to cut costs, boost efficiency and prepare for long-term sustainability.
He highlighted Penang’s solar energy drive, noting that panels had already been installed on several council properties with dozens more buildings identified for solar farming.
“The state government spent more than RM75mil to convert all streetlights from conventional bulbs to LEDs. This will reduce power costs by 50% to 60%.
“I think we will save half of that sum when we convert all lighting to LED,” said Jagdeep.
He acknowledged the scale of the transition but stressed its importance for Penang’s future.
“I have been entrusted with the task of moving Penang towards renewable energy by tapping into solar,” he said after the opening of Dialight’s new facility in Perai.
Jagdeep, who is state human capital development, science and technology committee chairman, added that these initiatives formed part of a coordinated strategy to make Penang a leader in green energy adoption.
This comes as major players commit billions to Penang’s green economy.
Singapore’s Equalbase has already invested about RM800mil in the Valdor area from an allocated RM5bil for the state, while its sister company Equalenergie has earmarked RM1.2bil for Penang as part of a wider RM8bil Malaysia plan.
The project aims to deliver 2GW of solar capacity and 1.6GWh of battery energy storage, alongside the development of 46.4ha of sustainable industrial space and thousands of high-skilled jobs.
Dialight chief executive officer Steve Blair said the new Perai facility marked a milestone for the British company’s global strategy.
“This is a strategic hub for innovation, collaboration and growth.
“Our presence in Penang is central to supporting our customers around the world, particularly in the growing Asia-Pacific market.
“With this investment of almost RM30mil, we are not only increasing production capacity but also deepening our commitment to green technology that helps industries cut energy use and carbon emissions,” said Blair.
Dialight director Dr Ilamaran Elangkathir said the new 57,000sq ft facility was completed on schedule.
