3 days ago
PUPILS LIGHT THE WAY IN ENERGY SAVING
ALOR SETAR: For 12-year-old G. Jeevika, learning about energy efficiency was more than just an academic lesson in school. It was a mission to save the environment, improve sustainability in resource consumption and help her family save on their steep electricity bills.
'My home's electricity bill comes up to over RM1,000 a month. Of course, our usage is more than average, as I live with five other siblings and our parents.
'There are four air conditioners at home, among other electrical appliances that operate daily, some of which may be poor in efficiency or demanding in power consumption,' said Jeevika.
She was among 86 pupils at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Iskandar selected to participate in the 'Powering The Future 3.0' programme, organised by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) in collaboration with Star Media Group (SMG), on July 14.
Equipped with the knowledge she gained, Jeevika said she plans to share it not only with her peers but also with her family, in hopes of improving how they use electrical appliances and enhancing their daily lives and environment.
'But after this workshop, I have learned ways to help us save, like improving ventilation and using energy-efficient appliances.
'Indeed, even a simple household appliance like a light bulb can help save energy if we choose the right type and make sure to switch it off when it's not needed, especially during the day,' she said.
The state-level programme at the school is part of a national campaign to improve energy literacy among students and cultivate sustainable habits from a young age.
Over the course of four hours, 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.
Among enthusiastic learners was 11-year-old Muhd Aidil Danish Abdullah, who took home new knowledge about energy-guzzling household appliances like water heaters.
'My family of five relies on the water heater on cold days.
'Now I know it consumes a lot of energy, so I can teach my two younger brothers not to overuse it.
'Hopefully, with better habits, I can help my father lower our electricity bill and use the savings for better purposes,' he said.
To liven up the session, a surprise appearance by Pintar, the Kuntum magazine mascot, also brought further cheer to the pupils with each of them receiving a copy of the educational publication to reinforce the lessons learned.
They also received a complimentary one-year subscription to The Star's e-Paper, further enhancing their access to knowledge and current affairs.
SK Iskandar headmaster Mohd Lutfi Abdul Ghani said the programme complemented the school's broader efforts to modernise learning while managing energy usage responsibly.
'The use of electronic devices has certainly grown in recent years as traditional teaching methods are replaced with digital tools.
'Programmes like these not only teach our pupils about electricity but instil values about conservation and responsibility.
'Ceiling fans remain our top energy use due to the humid weather here and I hope this initiative helps pupils think of greener alternatives,' he said.
The programme, now in its third year, also saw attendance by several representatives, including TNB's retail division (retail and stakeholders – Kedah) general manager Azian Alias, who praised the school's cooperation and emphasised the importance of early education in sustainability.
'This initiative aims to connect the younger generation with the world of energy and sustainability.
'Since its launch in 2023, Powering The Future has reached thousands of students across the country, exposing them to the importance of energy efficiency, environmental conservation and the challenges ahead in the energy sector,' she said.
Azian explained that the programme aligns with Malaysia's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a national aspiration that TNB is driving through its Energy Transition Plan, which includes the development of renewable energy from hydroelectric dams and large-scale solar farms.
'Everyone has a role to play, including students.
'Simple actions like switching off lights when not in use or relying on natural daylight can have a big impact,' she said
Azian added that this year's Powering The Future 3.0 aims to reach 3,200 students across Malaysia by the end of 2025.
'So far, 2,406 students have benefited from the programme, which now takes a more interactive and engaging approach to energy education.
'In Kedah, SK Iskandar stands as a symbol of the commitment by TNB and the Education Ministry in fostering awareness starting from the school level,' she said.
Also present were Kedah Education Department Special School Unit senior assistant director Wan Nor Azman Zainol and SMG Brand Studio senior general manager Elicia Wee.
The other participating schools in the state include SK Dato' Wan Mohd Saman, SK Taman Rakyat, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato Syed Omar and Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid.
