PETALING JAYA: A new website on energy literacy by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry should also capitalise on public interest in climate change, says the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (Cetdem).
“Many Malaysians are now more conscious of climate change and how they can take proactive steps to reduce their individual impact in terms of electricity usage,” said Cetdem chair Charles Tan.
He said that most people are interested in the typical cost of electricity and how it affects their lives.
“Essentially, we all need electricity or power for our day to day activities and the cost of paying for the electricity.
“While the concept of energy literacy is good, the website should start from the position of end-users around the provision of electricity and then use that interest to convey the concepts of electricity literacy, including terms such as energy conservation and energy efficiency,” he said when contacted.
The Star reported yesterday that the ministry had launched a website of the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP) which sets out to expedite Malaysia’s energy transition journey in achieving 70% renewable energy and net zero emissions by 2050.
Tan pointed out that there must be continuous provision of electricity so that economic development can continue without any obstacles.
The focus on ensuring the continuity of supply may potentially increase the utilisation of gas-fired power plants quicker than the installation of renewables, he said.
“Hence there is a need to reduce emissions from this sector, including how to price energy appropriately to encourage residences, offices and industries to take proactive measures to reduce their electricity usage,” he said.
“While the transition from the internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV) is a positive move, a better policy would be to prioritise public transportation. In addition, there is also a need to electrify our public transportation – especially buses.”
Tan said the MELP website should provide information and proposals to help everyone to reduce their overall consumption.
“Ironically, the largest GHG emission in many residential homes is actually the use of ICE vehicles.
“Many families have more than one car and choose not to or are unable to take public transport. Cetdem’s study on suburban homes (such as in Petaling Jaya) showed that more than 50% of energy use is for transport.”
“While items such as LED lighting can reduce electricity use, this only comprises a low single digit percentage of the total emissions.
“After transport, heating and cooling are the next biggest items. Heating includes use of electric irons, hot water heaters and kettles, while cooling includes air conditioning and refrigeration.”
For Tee Tone Vei, immediate past president of the Malaysian chapter of the Ashrae (a global professional organisation dedicated to advancing energy-efficient and healthy buildings), said the launch of the MELP website marks a commendable first step in building public understanding.
“While energy literacy may not yet be a household term, its relevance is undeniable. Most Malaysians think of energy in terms of ringgit and what they pay at month’s end – not in kilowatt-hours (kWh), efficiency or source.
“Many are unaware whether their electricity comes from gas, hydro or solar, which reflects a significant gap in awareness.”
Hence, he said initiatives like MELP are vital for bridging this knowledge gap between policymakers and end users.
