PETALING JAYA: Expanding solar energy adoption, preserving green spaces and building walkable communities should be among the key strategies to address rising temperatures and mitigate the effects of a strong El Nino phenomenon, say experts.
The Energy Commission is promoting solar energy systems as a long-term solution to reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources, noting that such measures can help households manage rising energy costs while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Under its guidelines issued in April, households are encouraged to adopt energy-efficient practices to reduce electricity consumption and lower utility bills.
These include using energy-saving appliances, switching off electrical devices when not in use and choosing products with higher energy efficiency ratings.
The guidelines also recommend maximising natural lighting and ventilation instead of relying heavily on artificial lighting and air-conditioning.
Malaysian Ecological Association president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail said the rise in temperatures was a major global issue, highlighting the importance of climate action aimed at limiting further warming.
“A basic principle is to maintain and expand green areas. We need to protect our forests, plant more trees and ensure new residential developments are designed with green spaces in mind,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Prof Ahmad said there was also a need to improve pedestrian infrastructure as many communities still lacked safe and shaded walkways.
“We have overlooked the importance of green footpaths. For example, many school communities do not even have a short pedestrian path that allows students and residents to walk safely and comfortably. These are the kinds of local initiatives that can make a difference.”
Such efforts could help cool urban environments while encouraging healthier and more sustainable lifestyles, he pointed out.
Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam said reducing energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy were key to tackling climate change.
“By transitioning to a low-carbon energy mix, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security and provide millions of people with access to clean, reliable and affordable energy.”
She said energy conservation included basic habits such as switching off lights when leaving a room, unplugging unused appliances and choosing to walk instead of driving short distances.
Mageswari urged Malaysians to move towards energy-efficient homes, including adopting solar technology and low-energy systems in production and services.
She said air-conditioner energy use can be reduced by more than 20% by setting temperatures at between 24°C and 26°C.
Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran cautioned that the El Nino phenomenon and the period leading up to its formation were typically associated with reduced rainfall, a condition that can drive up both water and energy consumption across households and businesses.
As temperatures rise and dry conditions persist, he said energy use tends to spike, particularly due to increased reliance on cooling and heating appliances.
