The government should focus on creating green jobs to address rising unemployment from the COVID-induced recession.

1) Increase Rooftop Solar (Net Energy Metering) to 2,000MW

Barely a week ago, the 500MW rooftop solar quota for Peninsular Malaysia under Net Energy Metring (NEM) for 2015-2020 was fully exhausted. Nearly 90% (445MW) was taken within the last 11 months and 30% (150MW) within last one month alone.

The TNB power grid could accept another 2,000MW of solar installations by 2025 without utility-scale energy storage. Rooftop solar has an economic potential of RM 8 billion excluding the multiplier effect.

2) Develop Public Transport Network

The government is expected to save about RM 12 billion in fuel subsidies between 2020 and 2021 due to lower petrol prices. The government could buy at least 13,300 electric buses for RM12 billion. These electric buses could be deployed in all major towns creating thousands of long-term jobs. Government will benefit from long-term fuel subsidy reductions.

3) Conduct Energy Performance Contracts for Government Buildings

In 2015, its estimated that government buildings consumed about 10% Peninsular Malaysia’s electricity, worth about RM 4 billion. The government could execute one-off energy performance contracts (EPC) with energy service companies (ESCOs) to make all government premises more energy efficient. This boosts domestic construction material manufacturing and creates more construction jobs.

ESCOs provide expertise and undertake risks associated with achieving the savings guaranteed by the project. During the contract period, the ESCO receives a portion of the energy cost savings as a repayment of the project cost and as compensation for their services. Once the EPC expires, the installed equipment and full energy cost savings belong to the government.

SHARAN RAJ
Bureau for Environment & Climate Crisis
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
&
State Secretary
Parti Sosialis Malaysia Negeri Melaka (PSM Melaka)