KUALA LUMPUR: State governments have been urged to follow Pahang’s example by installing solar panels in the construction of low-cost homes, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister said the upfront cost of installing solar panels could be included in the purchase price of low-cost homes.
He said this would give lower- income households better access to solar power.
“For example, if a low-cost house costs RM150,000, and if an additional RM10,000 is included for the solar installation, the total cost would be RM160,000.
“The loan would cover that amount, and residents would automatically have access to solar power.
“This is one of the measures taken by the Pahang state government for its low-cost housing projects to help lower-income groups,” he said when responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin).
Mohd Isam had asked whether the ministry planned to provide targeted assistance to low-income households to replace energy- intensive appliances or install solar panels without incurring high upfront costs.
On other measures, Abdul Rahman said the Federal Government was assisting through the SuRIA Home Programme, which offers domestic consumers a rebate of RM600 for every kilowatt of installed solar capacity, up to RM3,000.
He added that the government also offered e-rebates of up to RM200 to households purchasing energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators.
The appliances must have four- or five-star energy-efficiency ratings under the NUR Madani programme, which aims to encourage consumers to switch to energy-efficient appliances and reduce their electricity bills.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the ministry was aware that rising global fuel prices and prolonged hot weather were contributing to higher electricity bills.
He said the government had announced expansion of measures to protect consumers from higher electricity bills.
These included exemptions from the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA), Sales and Service Tax and retail charges for domestic consumers using up to 800 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month, equivalent to an estimated monthly bill of RM328 or less.
“The measures, which took effect in September, will remain in place until December and benefit about 90% or eight million domestic consumers in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Together with the Energy Commission, the ministry has also taken preliminary steps to review proposed improvements to the existing AFA mechanism, including the introduction of a tiered AFA system, which is planned for implementation from 2027,” he said.
