KUCHING: Funding, public acceptance, and regional cooperation are the most pressing challenges Malaysia faces in achieving its clean and renewable energy ambitions.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said transitioning to renewable energy requires significant financial resources.
“Number one will be funding. Because when we migrate into clean, renewable energy, it is expensive – the cost and so on,” he said during his plenary session at the ‘Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum 4.0’ (SAREF 4.0), powered by Sarawak Energy at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.
He stressed that beyond financing, securing public buy-in is equally vital.
“We need to engage the people. We need to get them to change the way they live. In Malaysia, we tend to take things for granted. By moving into energy-efficient equipment, the public will not only save for themselves but also reduce the burden on the government and utility companies,” he explained.
Fadillah said this shift would lead to reduced reliance on coal, gas and other conventional energy sources, creating broader benefits for society.
He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation within ASEAN through initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
“The third challenge is to get all member states in ASEAN to subscribe and strategise to ensure the implementation of APG and to collaborate on joint development. This is not only about shared goals but also shared responsibilities, where everybody can benefit,” he said.
He emphasised that overcoming these challenges is critical to Malaysia’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
