Taiping is among Perak’s top candidates to spearhead the transition to renewable energy. — Filepic
PERAK has identified the historical town of Taiping as having strong potential to emerge as a model town for clean energy.
State science, environment and green technology committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said with participation from local authorities, industry and the community, Taiping was well positioned to lead the shift toward renewable energy and a low-carbon future.
“Taiping is among our top candidates to spearhead the transition to renewable energy in the state.
“With growing momentum from both public and private sectors, Taiping stands out as a potential benchmark for clean energy adoption in the state,” he said during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh, yesterday.
He was replying to a question from Ong Seng Guan (PH-Pokok Assam) on Taiping’s potential to lead Perak’s renewable energy use, supporting carbon reduction and climate action.
Ong asked what renewable energy plans were currently being implemented by the state government, and incentives offered to the private sector, educational institutions and local communities to encourage green energy use.
Teh said with the state proposing a strategic roadmap to turn Taiping into a low-carbon city, several measures were being carried out, such as installing solar panels on public buildings and community facilities.
“Besides that, solar deployment across schools and educational institutions to cut electricity costs and boost sustainability awareness among students is being carried out.
“Then there is also the implementation of green infrastructure in public spaces, such as solar-powered streetlights, low-carbon parks, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and EVs for municipal services.
“These efforts align with the broader Low Carbon Cities Framework under which local authorities and communities receive technical support, recognition and guidance to develop low-carbon solutions,” he said.
Teh said one high-profile project already underway was by Toyo Tyre Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Kamunting, Taiping, where about RM30mil was spent to instal more than 26,000 solar panels on factory rooftops covering nearly 96,000 sq m.
He said once operational, the solar energy system was expected to supply a majority of the factory’s electricity needs, significantly reducing its reliance on the conventional power grid.
“To broaden adoption beyond industry, the state is working with the Federal Government to offer a range of incentives to households, educational institutions and private entities.
“The incentives include the Green Electricity Tariff, tax incentives and Green Technology Financing Scheme, designed to reduce initial costs and make the transition to green technology more accessible,” he said.
