Energy Efficiency Practices Crucial For Future Sustainability – Fadillah

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The adoption of energy efficiency practices can significantly reduce electricity consumption, lower carbon emissions, and mitigate the impact of climate change on the country, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He highlighted that energy efficiency not only leads to cost and energy savings but also helps reduce the greenhouse effect on the environment.

"This will also contribute to preserving the diminishing energy resources for future generations," he said during his speech at the Energy Efficiency (EE) Challenge 2024 award ceremony today.

Organised by the Energy Commission, the event attracted 1,585 entries nationwide across various categories. 

Now in its 11th year, the annual Energy Commission event aims to promote energy efficiency, and electrical and gas safety practices among the younger generation.

Fadillah emphasised that the youth are the most powerful agents of change, making it essential to raise awareness of energy efficiency from an early age, starting in schools.

According to a report from the Energy Commission, schools participating in the Most EE School category this year saved a total of 53,014 kWh of electricity, equivalent to RM28,400 based on the B category tariff.

"I am proud to announce that over the 11 years of this competition, total energy savings have reached 1,568,025 kWh.

"This savings amounts to RM840,446, which in turn prevents 1,207 tonnes of CO2 emissions. These savings also support the growth of 18,113 saplings over 10 years," he said.

Meanwhile, Energy Commission chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Razib Dawood expressed hope that energy efficiency practices will continue to be integrated into daily life long after the competition ends.

"This is to nurture a generation that is mindful of environmental sustainability. Let the knowledge and energy efficiency practices learned from this competition be applied at home and in schools.

"Parents and guardians can also set a positive example by using electricity efficiently," he said.

This year, the competition features four categories: #Poster-Drawing Challenge, Storytelling Challenge, Most Creative EE Video, and Most EE School.

In the Most EE School category, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kijal reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by participating in the challenge for the second time.

Led by Headmaster Mohd Nordin Abdul Majid, the school views this participation as an opportunity to inspire new ideas and motivation within its community.

He noted that the initiative received strong support from both the teachers and the entire school community.

"One of the main steps we’ve taken to reduce electricity consumption is optimising air conditioner usage. Air conditioning consumes a lot of electricity, whether in schools, offices, or homes. At our school, we’ve set the temperature at 25 degrees Celsius on automatic mode. 

"This small change has had a big impact, with a clear reduction in electricity usage, demonstrating the success of our collective efforts," he said.

SMK Kijal was awarded a plaque, RM12,000 in cash, and a certificate of achievement.

In the Story-telling Challenge category, 11-year-old Aira Marlya Shamsul Ariff from SM(P) Methodist 1, Melaka, won first place, receiving a tablet, RM1,500 in cash, and a certificate of achievement.

Aira shared the story of a young girl named Sarah who noticed her home’s excessive electricity usage and resolved to become an ‘energy-saving hero,’ educating others on the importance of conserving electricity.

-- BERNAMA