PETALING JAYA: All 156 local authorities nationwide have been urged to strengthen holistic energy-saving measures in line with Putrajaya’s push to address the worsening global energy crisis, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the ministry remains committed to ensuring local councils adopt proactive and structured measures to optimise energy use across buildings, facilities and daily operations.
“As the coordinating agency for local authorities, we want to ensure service delivery to the rakyat is not compromised.
“Local councils must ensure their daily operations and counter services continue to run smoothly and efficiently,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Nga said energy-saving efforts would not only reduce operating costs but also support environmental sustainability and Malaysia’s low-carbon development goals.
“Local authorities must ensure that daily operations and counter services remain smooth and efficient to meet public needs,” he said.
Apart from reducing government operating costs, he said, energy-saving measures can also contribute to environmental sustainability and the nation’s low-carbon development goals.
Key proposed measures include setting air-conditioning temperatures at a minimum of 24°C in all council buildings and offices, as well as implementing a phased and selective work-from-home policy starting tomorrow, to reduce energy consumption, including fuel use and traffic congestion.
The ministry also proposed to increase the adoption of green technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, and smart building management systems in local council facilities.
It also called for regular energy audits and long-term planning to identify savings opportunities across buildings, street lights, public markets, recreational parks and local infrastructure.
The ministry will issue a circular to all local authorities to ensure uniform implementation, with periodic monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the measures.
“Every kilowatt saved contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for the next generation,” he said.
Nga also called for close cooperation among local councils, relevant agencies and communities to ensure the success of the initiative.
The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a severe disruption to the global energy system, cutting supplies and forcing consumers worldwide to face higher prices and reduced consumption.
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel off Iran’s coast, has halted the passage of about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) since US and Israeli air strikes on Iran began on Feb 28.
