logo
NEM Rakyat quota increased by 100MW, total now 700MW

NEM Rakyat quota increased by 100MW, total now 700MW

The Sun23-05-2025

PUTRAJAYA: The quota for the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme under the domestic category, known as NEM Rakyat, has been increased by an additional 100 megawatts (MW), bringing the total quota allocated since the programme's inception in 2011 to 700MW.
In a statement today, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) said the additional quota is now open to all domestic users under Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) until June 30, or until the quota is fully subscribed — whichever comes first.
PETRA said the move follows an overwhelming response from the public, which led to the exhaustion of the existing NEM Rakyat quota.
'In light of the strong interest, PETRA has decided to expand the NEM Rakyat quota to enable more domestic users to harness their rooftop spaces for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,' the statement read.
The latest guidelines for the NEM Rakyat programme can be accessed via the Energy Commission's website at www.st.gov.my, while further details on the application process are available on the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia's website at www.seda.gov.my.
The ministry also said that PETRA, together with the Energy Commission (ST) as the regulatory authority for the electricity supply industry, is currently reviewing new mechanisms and implementation methods for rooftop solar initiatives.
The aim is to ensure that upcoming renewable energy (RE) initiatives are more inclusive, equitable and beneficial to all electricity consumers.
'As the lead agency driving the national energy transition agenda, PETRA remains committed to enhancing and expanding the implementation of rooftop solar initiatives as part of a broader effort to support Malaysia's energy transition aspirations,' PETRA said.
It also reaffirmed Malaysia's goal of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy capacity in the national electricity supply mix by 2050 — a key pillar in the country's sustainable development agenda and a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability and energy resource security.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Energy Commission disposes of seized goods worth over RM1.7mil
Energy Commission disposes of seized goods worth over RM1.7mil

The Star

time2 days ago

  • The Star

Energy Commission disposes of seized goods worth over RM1.7mil

PUTRAJAYA: The Energy Commission has disposed of 2,933 seized items valued at over RM1.7mil following investigations into various offences related to electrical safety and usage. According to the commission, the disposal carried out on Tuesday (June 3) involved seizures from cases in Perlis, Kedah and Penang that led to 21 investigation papers resolved through court rulings and compounds. Of the total, 16 involved electrical accidents, four were electricity theft cases, and one was for the use of illegal electrical equipment. "The disposal process was conducted at a licensed metal disposal centre in Balakong, Selangor, and was witnessed by our Enforcement and Regional Operations director Ismail Zaili Yusop, and Investigation Unit deputy director Nik Mohd Bakhry Abu Bakar,' it said in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). It added that the disposal process was carried out according to instructions from the prosecution under Sections 406A and 413 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593). The commission also stressed that the disposal was conducted in an environmentally responsible manner through the appointment of a company licensed by the Environment Department (DOE) to handle e-waste management. This process complies with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005, it added. "The management of seized goods also involves the separation of scheduled waste, recyclable materials and regular waste. Suitable items are sent to legitimate buyers and appropriate recovery facilities according to the waste categories,' it said. The commission said this integrated approach reflects its ongoing commitment to law enforcement while supporting environmental conservation. – Bernama

Census sets new benchmark for agricultural sector
Census sets new benchmark for agricultural sector

New Straits Times

time6 days ago

  • New Straits Times

Census sets new benchmark for agricultural sector

KUALA LUMPUR: The findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report are set to become a critical new benchmark for the development and transformation of Malaysia's agricultural sector. Statistics Department chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the insights — gathered through the nationwide census conducted from July 7 to Dec 31 last year, would provide vital input into several key national strategies — including the 13th Malaysia Plan, the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030, the National Agricommodity Policy 2021–2030 and the National Food Security Policy Action Plan 2021–2025. "These findings are not merely statistical data; they reflect the real conditions, challenges and opportunities within the sector," he said after the launch of the 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report on Thursday. Gracing the launch event was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister. Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli. Among the key findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census, Uzir said, was that Malaysia recorded 1,030,020 agriculture holders, with a staggering 97.9 per cent (or 1,008,829) being individual agriculture holders. The remaining 21,191 operations are managed by establishments' agricultural holders. He said the data also indicates that 258,129 agriculture holders are involved in food crop cultivation, including padi, vegetables and fruits. At the same time, 623,365 individuals manage commercial crops such as oil palm and rubber. Additionally, 43,816 agriculture holders are engaged in livestock, 8,407 in aquaculture, 48,267 in fisheries and 7,930 in forestry and logging. In terms of age groups, the largest proportion of individual agricultural holdings is in the 60 years and over category, with 458,263 individuals (45.4 per cent), followed by those aged 46 to 59 years at 326,287 individuals (32.4 per cent). The 31 to 45 years age group accounts for 190,952 individuals (18.9 per cent) while the 15 to 30 years age group represent only 33,207 individuals (3.3 per cent). "The data highlights Malaysia's agricultural sector's strong dependence on older farmers, with 45.4 per cent of agricultural holders aged 60 and above, while only 142,888 youths aged 15 to 40 are active in the industry. "This situation poses serious challenges, such as labour shortages, a slow integration of modern technologies and the urgent need to revitalise the sector. "It is crucial to attract more young people to agricultural careers to safeguard the sector's future sustainability and the country's food security." Uzir said other key takeaways from the census is that establishment agriculture holders recorded much higher productivity than individual agriculture holders such as oil palm, pineapple and cocoa. "This shows the importance of economies of scale, the use of technology and more systematic governance. "Among the main challenges faced by individual agriculture holdings is the limited land area, especially land of less than 2.02ha. "This small land size has a significant impact on the effectiveness of agricultural activities, especially in terms of productivity and yield. "This not only affects farmers' income, but also has implications for the development of the country's agricultural sector as a whole." Uzir said the census also found potential in the cultivation of new crops such as kenaf, Napier and seaweed. Kenaf, for example, has a cultivated area of 1,497.0ha with a production of 9,916.1 tonnes, while Napier recorded a cultivated area of 1,387.7ha with a production of 35,687 tonnes. "These industries have great potential in terms of value added exports and production of downstream products, where the supply chain needs to be strengthened to drive the growth of this segment." Uzir said from the census, crop industries such as coffee, coconut and cocoa have shown a decline in terms of planted area, productivity and the number of active entrepreneurs. "However, the industry retains significant strategic value and can be revitalised through well-planned, modern and integrated approaches." Uzir added that engagement sessions will be organised with stakeholders to discuss the findings of the census. "These sessions serve as a platform to discuss agriculture issues including food security concerns. "It is hoped that all stakeholders including government agencies, research institutions, academia, industry players and farmers can utilise agricultural statistics to the fullest in making evidence-based decisions and contributing to the growth of a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector." During the event, the department also released 15 interim reports encompassing the Interim Report on Agriculture Sector, which presents statistics for the entire agricultural sector, followed by five subsectors; crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as forestry and logging. The remaining 14 reports covered oil palm, rubber, padi, pineapple, kenaf, cocoa, pepper, fruits, vegetables and other crops. The reports covered six key parameters — agricultural holdings profile, area planted, harvested area, quantity of production and sales and sales value. The agriculture census plays a vital role in supporting not only farmers and policymakers, but also businesses within the broader agricultural value chain. Doluvo Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rose Yasmin Abdul Karim said the data gathered from the census is instrumental in helping companies plan for growth and source raw materials more effectively. As the manufacturer of Popsmalaya, a homegrown brand known for fruit-based ice lollies, Yasmin emphasised the importance of using local ingredients. "One of our key strategies moving forward is to collaborate directly with local farmers through contract manufacturing. "The latest data from the agriculture census helps us make informed decisions that align with our long-term goals," she said. Although not all ingredients — such as berries — are sourced locally, Popsmalaya remains committed to showcasing Malaysian produce, with pineapple emerging as a signature flavour. "When we participate in international trade shows, people are often intrigued by unique flavours like pineapple. Pineapple lollies are still uncommon overseas, which gives us a competitive edge," Yasmin said. Popsmalaya exports to over 30 countries and attributes its global success to support from agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority. Yasmin's sentiment was echoed by Mohd Azhan Fhitri Md Rafi, a sales coordinator at Mascorn Sdn Bhd. "For companies like Mascorn, access to accurate and comprehensive agricultural data enables us to better align with market trends and plan strategically. "It also helps identify emerging needs and opportunities across the sector.

TIME TO SWITCH TO SOLAR
TIME TO SWITCH TO SOLAR

The Star

time6 days ago

  • The Star

TIME TO SWITCH TO SOLAR

More Malaysians are discovering the benefits of solar energy as they adopt greener and more sustainable lifestyles. Solar energy, once considered a luxury only for the wealthy or eco-enthusiasts, is fast becoming a practical and affordable upgrade for landed home­owners. Thanks to improved access, lower entry costs and supportive government initiatives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, switching to solar power has never been more attractive for Malaysian homeowners. One of the biggest draws is the potential for significant monthly savings – many households with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have reported electricity bill reductions of 30% to 50%, depending on the size of their system and overall energy usage. While the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term value is clear. Most homeowners recover their installation costs within six to eight years and continue to enjoy substantial savings for another 15 to 20 years after that. Beyond cost savings, solar systems can also increase a property's resale value, especially in urban areas where energy-­efficient features are increasingly sought after. Understanding the NEM Scheme The NEM scheme was introduced by the government for consumers to reduce their electricity bills. You can generate your own electricity by installing rooftop solar PV system for your own consumption. Now in its third iteration, NEM 3.0 was introduced with new quotas and initiatives divided into categories like NEM Rakyat (for homeowners), NEM GoMEn (for government ministries and agencies), and NOVA (for commercial and industrial users). Under the NEM Rakyat scheme, any excess electricity your solar panels generate is exported to the grid. You earn credits for this, which are then used to offset energy usage from the grid – lowering your TNB bill in the process. In simpler terms, the more solar energy your system produces, the less you pay for electricity every month. It's a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment. The technology behind solar PV cells has created greater efficiency in absorbing sunlight, further enhancing the solar energy capture and efficiency. With advancements in solar inverter technology, today's rooftop solar PV systems are capable of offering greater energy conversion and cost savings. These developments have made solar power accessible to a broader group of Malaysians – not just the affluent few – to become 'prosumers' (producer and consumer) of green energy. Today's homeowners also ­benefit from: > New financing models that allow you to install rooftop solar PV with minimal upfront cost, often through monthly repayments. > Government incentives and rebates, which lower the overall cost of going solar. > Zero-interest payment plans offered by some providers to ease the financial burden further. Ravi Kumar, a homeowner from Penang, says: 'Switching to solar has been one of the best financial decisions we've made for our home. 'Our electricity bill used to average RM700 a month, especially with the air conditioning running constantly during the hotter periods. 'Now, it's consistently under RM50, sometimes even receiving a small credit back from TNB! The installation was smooth, and the team was incredibly professional. We're not just ­saving money; we're also proud to be doing our part for the environment.' For environmentally-conscious homeowners like Ravi, the appeal of solar extends beyond the ringgit and sen. A typical residential solar setup can reduce carbon emissions by several tonnes each year – the equivalent of planting dozens of trees annually. This makes solar adoption a personal contribution to Malaysia's broader sustainability goals and its move towards a low-carbon economy. Is solar right for you? Solar solutions work best for landed properties with ample roof space and high daylight exposure. Next, review your monthly electricity bill over the period needed to recover the long-term investment for the solar system. > Get a professional assessment of your roof's solar potential: Not all roofs are ­created equal when it comes to solar energy. Engage a certified solar PV service provider to evaluate key factors such as your roof's orientation, tilt angle, shading from nearby trees or buildings, and available space. This assessment will help determine how many panels your roof can accommodate, the optimal positioning for maximum sunlight exposure and the potential energy output. > Compare offers from certified solar PV service providers: Don't settle for the first quote. Approach multiple reputable and certified PV service providers to compare packages. Look at pricing, equipment quality, warranties, installation timelines and after-sales service. Check if the providers are registered under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) or other relevant bodies. > Understand the NEM application process and what incentives you qualify for: Malaysia's NEM scheme allows residential users to export excess electricity generated from their solar ­panels back to the grid for rebates or credits based on available NEM quota. Recently, the government announced an additional 100MW quota for NEM Rakyat after the original allocation of 600MW was fully subscribed. Learn how the NEM application works, including eligibility requirements, documentation needed, approval timelines and integration with your electricity bill. Also, explore any government rebates, tax incentives or green financing options available to reduce your upfront costs. Being well-informed about these mechanisms can significantly improve the return on your solar investment. Learn more about how Net Energy Metering by clicking here to view website

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store