50 years on, Malakoff balances energy security with cleaner goals

Malaysian Reserve

a day ago

Marking its 50th anniversary, Malakoff expands its role with a shift toward renewables, waste-to-energy and ESG-led growth
By HIDAYATH HISHAM
MALAKOFF Corporation Bhd (Malakoff) marks its 50th anniversary this year as Malaysia's largest Independent Power Producer (IPP), reaffirming its pivotal role in securing the nation's energy supply while pushing forward into cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
The company has steadily expanded beyond its thermal roots, integrating solar, waste-to-energy, and ESG-aligned initiatives into its portfolio. These steps align closely with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and its net-zero aspirations.
One of them is the Malakoff-owned 1,303 MW combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant, the Segari Energy Ventures (SEV) Power Plant in Lumut, Perak. It is the second-largest IPP-owned CCGT plant in Malaysia. Also known as the Lumut Power Plant, it was built in 1996 and was the largest CCGT plant in Malaysia at the time.
For its plant manager Anwar Faisal Mohamed Din, Malakoff's shift is both timely and necessary.
With three decades of experience under his belt, Anwar sees this evolution not only as strategic — but deeply personal.
'The rebranding in 2023 signalled more than a new look — it represented a transformation of purpose.
'We are no longer just a thermal power company; we are becoming a comprehensive energy and environmental solutions provider,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
As the country gradually reduces its reliance on thermal generation, Anwar believes the approach must be responsible and well-calibrated.
'The transition is both necessary and ambitious. While reducing reliance on thermal power is a positive environmental step, it must be done strategically to avoid compromising energy security,' he explained.
He advocates hybrid generation models that combine the reliability of thermal plants with the flexibility of renewables. He believes these can provide stability while newer technologies continue to mature.
Anwar sees Malakoff's shift toward full-spectrum energy and environmental solutions (pic: MUHD AMIN NAHARUL/TMR)
Anwar stressed that proper planning, infrastructure investment and upskilling of the workforce are essential to achieving a responsible energy transition.
Malakoff's growing role in renewable energy development is backed by strong engineering capabilities and a record of operational excellence, align with its purpose of Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities.
According to Anwar, the company's diversified generation portfolio enhances energy security for Malaysia.
'As the largest IPP in Malaysia, Malakoff plays a crucial role in providing reliable and consistent electricity. Our mix of thermal, solar and soon, waste-to-energy ensures the nation's power supply remains both stable and sustainable.
'Moreover, our operational excellence, rigorous safety standards and strong engineering capabilities position us as a trusted partner in national energy planning,' he said.
Anwar's insights are shaped by a career spent 30 years with Malakoff, during which he had been stationed to various plants.
Born and raised in Teluk Intan, Perak, he joined Malakoff in 1995 after graduating in Chemical Engineering from the University of Leeds, England.
He recalled entering the workforce young and eager, in an era when plant operations were more manual and digital systems were still in their infancy.
'But that environment taught me discipline, attention to detail and the importance of teamwork,' he shared.
What has kept him loyal over 30 years is not just the work itself, but the people and shared sense of purpose.
'Loyalty to me is not just about staying — it is about growing with a purpose. Malakoff has consistently provided opportunities for development and meaningful work. But what kept me here are the people — some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals I have known,' he said.
One of his most defining career moments was leading a critical plant overhaul under tight constraints — an experience that tested his leadership and highlighted the power of unity.
'We were racing against time and managing limited resources. Despite the odds, my team rose to the occasion. We completed the job safely, efficiently and ahead of schedule,' he said.
It was not just the technical success that made the moment memorable, he reflected, but the collective spirit that drove it.
He also reflected on the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, calling it a turning point in his leadership journey.
'The situation tested every aspect of leadership — resilience, crisis management and decision-making under pressure.
'But we overcame it through clear planning, communication and most importantly, the unwavering commitment of the team,' he said.
Lumut Power Plant plays a vital role in delivering reliable and safe power, contributing to grid stability and national energy security
While technical skills and strategic foresight have been essential in his career, Anwar believes humility is just as important in leadership.
He shared that staying grounded has helped him make better decisions, connect with his team and continuously learn from those around him.
'Humility is a value I hold close. It reminds me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening, growing and lifting others along the way,' he said.
Looking forward, Anwar remains confident that thermal plants — with a greener footprint — will continue to play a major role in ensuring base load stability.
'The future plant must be smart, flexible and efficient. The focus now is not just on generation, but on how we generate — with responsibility and long-term impact in mind.'
This is in line with the growing need of energy, with Malaysia rapidly emerging as a regional hub for data centres. A growing number of facilities are being developed to meet increasing demand for digital infrastructure.
Energy consumption by data centres varies widely. According to the Khazanah Research Institute, a small-scale traditional data centre with 500 to 2,000 servers may require between 1 and 5 MW of power, while a hyperscale facility housing tens of thousands of servers could demand anywhere from 20 MW to over 100 MW.
By 2035, the total energy usage of data centres in Malaysia is expected to exceed 5,000 MW.
Cross-border collaboration, shared excellence. Anwar (seated, left) with the dedicated team of Merak Energi, Indonesia (2014–2017)
Meanwhile, Anwar sees Malakoff evolving into a regional force in both energy and environmental innovation, with Lumut Power Plant playing a leading role in the transition.
'I envision Lumut as a model facility for hybrid solutions — blending reliability with sustainability. I hope that my contribution in shaping its culture, systems and people will continue to echo in the years to come,' he said.
To young professionals entering the sector, he offers a message rooted in values and purpose.
'This is an exciting and crucial time to be part of the energy sector. My message to the younger generation: Come in with curiosity, stay grounded in values and never stop learning.
'Be bold, but be humble. Energy is no longer just about output — it is about impact,' he said.
As Malakoff celebrates five decades of powering the nation, Anwar shared a message of gratitude to his colleagues.
'To team Malakoff — thank you for your dedication, your spirit and your belief in our purpose. You are the heart and soul of everything we have achieved.
'As we celebrate 50 incredible years, let's take pride in our past and move forward with even greater passion and unity. The best is yet to come!' he said.
This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition