5 days ago
IGNITING ACTION THROUGH ENERGY EDUCATION
TNB and SMG representatives with SK Dato Wan Ahmad headmaster Muhammad Hafiz Zainudin, during the Perlis launch of 'Powering the Future 3.0', a national MELP initiative.— LIM BENG TATT/The Star
KANGAR: Aware of the need to conserve electricity not just for the environment but to be mindful of expenditure, Fatin Nazirah Nurulaini Saiful Azrin, 11, said her parents have always taught her to switch off lights and fans when not in use.
'I was taught to never leave the fan, lights or television on if it is not being used or watched.
'In my house, we do not have air-conditioning, as my parents said we can always manage with fans.
'We are mindful about the use of lights as well and have started using LED bulbs as it is energy efficient,' she said during the 'Powering The Future 3.0' launch — a national Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP) — organised by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) in collaboration with Star Media Group (SMG) at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Dato Wan Ahmad.
Fatin said the monthly electricity bill at her house comes up to RM200 each month.
'We are a household of four - my parents, elder brother and I.
'Since we were small, our parents would teach us how much things cost and how to conserve usage. I learnt that it is wasteful to wash a few pieces at a time because not only does it use up energy, it wastes water as well,' she said.
Fatin said the programme has enlightened her about how to be more energy efficient, including when using electrical appliances in the house.
'It has taught me to make use of sunlight more during the day and not always switch on the lights at home as well,' she said.
Muhammad Hariz Aqil Khairul Azmir, 11, said that with four air-conditioning units at home for each room, he understands why his parents are always advising him and his five siblings to be mindful of their usage.
'They always caution us to switch it off when not in use and constantly remind us not to forget and check to see if anything is left on.
'Even when we go to bed, my parents will set the air-conditioner on a timer or switch it off once the room is cool,' he said.
Muhammad Hariz said at the programme he learnt that the best temperature to set the air-conditioning is between 24°C and 26°C.
'I will remember this and share it with my family,' he said.
Fatin and Muhammad Hariz were two of the 91 pupils at the school selected to participate in the programme.
The MELP initiative at the school is part of a national campaign to improve energy literacy among students and cultivate sustainable habits from a young age.
During the programme, students were guided through interactive activities and lessons that taught them how electricity is generated and used, and how energy-saving measures can make a difference, both financially and environmentally.
Some activities included word searches where pupils had to look for the type of electricity or energy source and match it with good practices on how to conserve energy.
The pupils received a complimentary one-year subscription to The Star's e-Paper as well.
School headmaster Muhammad Hafiz Zainudin said it was a pleasant surprise to have such a programme organised at the school.
'It will teach them how to conserve energy and be mindful when using electricity.
'While we do educate them in class, it is always nice when it comes in the form of activities.
'It is an insight into learning about Science and how things work.
'We teach them about the use of electricity and taking care of the environment as well,' he said.
TNB's retail division head (retail and stakeholders - Perlis) Abd Manan Abd Rahman said the programme was a way to enlighten pupils on how to use energy wisely.
'This programme will explain and show you why it is important to conserve energy and take care of the environment.
'This initiative aims to connect the younger generation with the world of energy and sustainability.
'It is in line with Malaysia's goal to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. You are young and will be around to see it happen, so conservation is important. You play a key role in this,' he told the pupils during his speech.
Abd Manan said that it can be as simple as merely switching off a room light when not in use, but it will go a long way.
'These are small things, but they make a difference, especially if everyone does it,' he said.
The programme, now in its third year, also saw SMG client brand marketing general manager Kenny Yeap in attendance.
The other participating schools in the state include SK Seri Perlis, SK Sena, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Syed Ahmad and SMK Syed Sirajuddin.
