State govt supports renewable energy initiatives
KOTA KINABALU: The state government will continue to support renewable energy initiatives since its implementation will reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said that in addition, renewable initiatives will also help the environment and create job opportunities for the local communities.
Speaking at the launch of the Renewable Energy and GreenTech Sabah 2021 (REGTech Sabah 2021) held using the online platform yesterday, Joachim also said that the current global emphasis on climate change and sustainable living has prompted significant moves, both by governments and the private sector to focus on the benefits of green technology.
“Renewable energy, which is one of the important areas of green technology, requires greater effort to encourage the utilization of renewable resources as an alternative means of generating energy,” he said.
He also said Sabah is endowed with an abundance of renewable energy sources that have the potential to significantly increase the state and nation’s economy.
“Sabah has gained from policies implemented by the Federal Government in relation to renewable energy and Sabah is committed to contribute to the goal with various studies on hydroelectric resources that has been carried out to review and identify the potential of power generation in the state, with a special focus on hydro and biomass resources that will address long-term energy requirements in Sabah,” he said.
Joachim also said that the Sabah government through the Chief Minister’s Department’s circular in 2018 had called on all state agencies to incorporate green technologies and components with Smart Green City concept in their development plans.
“Responding to the government’s call, many efforts have been carried out. Participating in the international platforms such as the International Greentech & Eco-products Conference and Exhibition Malaysia (IGEM) every year and winning the Best State Innovation Award in 2018 and 2019 shows the Government commitment in cultivating and innovating for green solutions in Sabah.”
Aside from that, rainwater harvesting as the eco solutions for the rural areas to get water supplies is another green initiatives applied.
“Other than that, planning Smart City and ‘Greening Local Government’ are also some of the initiatives towards more a sustainable E-Waste Management Programs that has been carried out since 2013 in line with the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005,” he said.
In addition, awareness programmes on climate change have also been carried out to reach and educate our society especially, school children such as the Program Anugerah Sekolah Rakan Alam sekitar or (Program SERASI), “I Plant” Program, and the Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Program and even signing an international Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Conference of Earth Environment Akita (CEEA), Japan.
“Through the SERASI Program, one of our local schools, SM St Michael Penampang won the Anugerah Alam Sekitar Peringkat Kebangsaan organized by Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia in 2017 and also the ASEAN Eco-Schools Award 2019 in Cambodia.”
He also mentioned the transformation of Kudat as the state’s centre for renewable energy with its sunny climate makes it an ideal location for solar powered electricity generation.
“The 58 megawatts of solar powered electricity that has been constructed in the district, is one of the more significant achievements attained so far, and hopefully there is more to come. Another five megawatt (MW) solar powered plants have been developed in Kunak, which will also increase the power capacity in the east coast of Sabah.”
He added that these efforts were part of the government’s plan to reduce diesel consumption in the country and diminish greenhouse emissions at the same time.
“Although renewable energy development is still in its infancy stage in Sabah, the government has been providing the necessary policy guidelines, infrastructure, incentives, technical and financial assistance to fully capitalise on the huge potential of renewable energy in the State,” he said.
Joachim also said that the State Government has also encouraged the private sector, stakeholders and relevant associations to focus on the benefits of renewable energy in Sabah.
“We acknowledge that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment and Water is spearheading the Environmental Sustainability Roadmap in Malaysia towards sustainable developments with clear targets and indicators, toward a green and sustainable pathway from 2020 to 2030.
“The Green Technology Master Plan strategically outlines approaches of green technology development, to create a low carbon and an efficient yet economical energy source within 2030.”