logo
Government complex goes solar: RM71,000 savings yearly

Government complex goes solar: RM71,000 savings yearly

Daily Express4 days ago
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Helena (second from right) handing over a replica panel in a symbolic gesture of the project handover. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Federal Government Administrative Complex (KPKPS) achieved a milestone by becoming the first Federal Government building in the State to operate on large-scale green solar energy. Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Seri Rosli Isa said the completed project will deliver substantial savings in electricity costs while promoting sustainable solar energy usage throughout Sabah. 'This is a major achievement in government building management landscape,' Rosli said during the project handover ceremony on Tuesday. 'With the completion of the 1-Megawatt solar system installation, the KPKPS has become the first Federal Government building in Sabah to utilise green solar energy at this scale,' he said. The project was realised through a one-off allocation of RM6 million from the Ministry of Economy, channelled through the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority. The Works Ministry's Facilities Management Division served as the implementing agency, while field implementation was handled by concessionaire Kombinasi Saudagar Sdn Bhd. The eight-month installation, which began in October 2024, is expected to generate impressive financial returns. The system is projected to reduce monthly electricity bills by up to RM71,000, contributing to total savings of RM4.26 million over five years. Beyond cost savings, the project significantly contributes to Malaysia's environmental goals. Rosli said the initiative aligns with the Government's Renewable Energy Technology Policy and aims to reduce carbon footprint while supporting national development toward a greener, cleaner and more resilient future. 'The design is not only practical but also shows our commitment to environmentally friendly technology. 'This investment in green technology proves that sustainable approaches can generate viable economic returns,' he said. The ceremony was also attended by Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation Director Datuk Dr Roland Chia Ming Shen and Works Ministry's Facilities Management Division Secretary Helene Remeo. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

RM5k aid for Tambunan small traders
RM5k aid for Tambunan small traders

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

RM5k aid for Tambunan small traders

Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Gerry Lewis Text Size: Dr Jeffrey presenting aid to recipients. TAMBUNAN: A total of RM275,000 was distributed to 55 licensed small stall traders in Tambunan through a one-off special aid of RM5,000 each. The assistance was presented by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan at the Tambunan District Community Hall. The initiative is part of the 'Bantuan Untukmu' program aimed at easing the operational costs of traders, improving their business infrastructure, and boosting grassroots entrepreneurship. In his speech, Dr Jeffrey expressed pride in the achievements of the Tambunan community, noting that the district has nearly eradicated hardcore poverty. However, he acknowledged that there remain segments of the population living in poverty who require targeted strategic support tailored to current needs. He stressed the importance of continued support and new initiatives to ensure no citizen is left behind in the development process. Dr Jeffrey also reminded the people of Tambunan to stay alert to the various forms of assistance available, not only from the State Government but also from the Federal Government. He emphasized that such aid is not meant to foster dependency but to serve as a stepping stone toward self-reliance and long-term well-being. The federal government, through the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries (Maffi), has also intensified efforts in rural development with allocations exceeding RM33.59 million for agri-food projects across Sabah. These projects include the rehabilitation of 534.55 hectares of abandoned paddy fields, the construction of 23 agricultural produce collection centres, and the implementation of integrated cash crop and livestock initiatives. These efforts not only generate economic output but also empower the local agricultural sector. He also highlighted the Agropreneur Muda program, which offers opportunities for youth aged 18 to 45 to become agricultural entrepreneurs. The program provides grants, fertilizer assistance, access to productive land, and technical training. He noted that the initiative is particularly relevant for young people in Tambunan who possess idle land with development potential. He advised the RM5,000 aid recipients to use the funds wisely, whether to improve their stall structures, upgrade business equipment, or increase inventory. The assistance is expected to boost their daily income and stimulate the local economy through higher-quality services and products. Furthermore, he encouraged traders to view the aid as a catalyst toward achieving more stable and sustainable income streams. In closing, he congratulated all recipients and expressed hope that their businesses would continue to grow and benefit their families and communities. He also called on the people of Tambunan to continue supporting his leadership as the Tambunan assemblyman, assuring that all assistance distributed is based on accurate data and genuine community needs. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Anwar partly to blame for public anger: LDP
Anwar partly to blame for public anger: LDP

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

Anwar partly to blame for public anger: LDP

Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 Text Size: David said over the past year, Anwar's government has faced widespread criticism for controversies such as the delayed appointment of the Chief Justice. Such missteps he said have eroded public trust. Kota Kinabalu: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) said while it does not support 'topple Anwar' movement, the Unity government must shoulder blame for failure to meet public expectations, leading to growing dissatisfaction. 'Anwar (Prime Minister) must demonstrate a firm commitment to practical reforms, rather than resorting to excessive 'performative politics' to please the public,' Vice President David Ong said in a statement. David said over the past year, Anwar's government has faced widespread criticism for controversies such as the delayed appointment of the Chief Justice. Such missteps he said have eroded public trust. 'The core responsibility of a leader is to resolve livelihood issues, not to create unnecessary political spectacles.' Regarding calls for Anwar to step down, David said it must be pursued through legitimate democratic mechanisms. 'Former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir remarked that a prime minister stepping down after losing public trust is a normal occurrence. 'However, we in LDP emphasise that Malaysia's 16th General Election is due by Feb 2028, it is better to let the people make their final judgment at the ballot box. 'We (LDP) criticise the Unity government's weak handling of economic and cost-of-living issues, noting that increased taxation, rising prices and stagnant wages have placed heavy burden on the people,' he said. David said Anwar had made repeated campaign promises to reduce fuel prices, review highway tolls and deliver justice in the Teoh Beng Hock case, but there has been little visible progress, leaving voters disappointed. He said since taking office, Anwar has shown 'more theatrics than tangible results.' 'The nation urgently needs structural reforms and pragmatic economic policies, rather than political shows and empty slogans,' he said. 'Frequent changes of leadership have not only damaged economic confidence but also caused international investors to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, leaving the country's direction increasingly unclear,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

RM100 aid short-term spending booster but not market mover: Economists
RM100 aid short-term spending booster but not market mover: Economists

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Sun

RM100 aid short-term spending booster but not market mover: Economists

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a one‑off RM100 cash handout has lifted sentiment in consumer‑related stocks, but economists caution that the impact on actual spending and equity performance may be fleeting, with deeper structural challenges still weighing on the economy. The initiative, worth RM2 billion, is designed to provide relief to households and channel spending into local goods and services. However, views among analysts and economists are mixed – some highlight modest gains for low‑income groups and small businesses, while others warn the measure may do little to shift broader market fundamentals. Center for Market Education chief executive Dr Carmelo Ferlito was blunt in his assessment, describing the handout as neither transformative for household consumption patterns nor meaningful for equity markets. 'While the measure is costly at the aggregate level, it is not a needle‑mover at the micro level,' he told SunBiz. 'I struggle to see how RM100 can affect consumption patterns in any sensible way. Economically, it hardly has any logic behind it and appears to have more of a political flavour.' Ferlito also raised concerns over the potential inflationary effects of injecting cash into the economy, particularly if such policies become frequent. 'Monetary injections are the real cause of inflation, a permanent and generalised increase in prices due to the quantity of money growing faster than economic output,' he said, adding that such measures risk masking structural issues in household income and consumer demand. From a sectoral perspective, Dr Ida Yasin, economist at Universiti Putra Malaysia, said the RM100 payment is more likely to generate a temporary boost for retailers and wholesalers rather than driving sustained gains in the stock market. 'This voucher is to boost demand for goods and services in Malaysia, not so much the demand for stocks,' she said. 'Retail and wholesale demand could rise temporarily, especially in essentials like food and household goods, but most stock market movements depend on business fundamentals.' Ida stressed that the handout's impact would likely fade after its expiry in December, underscoring the short‑term nature of the initiative. 'It benefits sellers, wholesalers and producers, from vegetables to chicken, but the up‑and‑down movements in the stock market are quite normal and not directly tied to such measures,' she said. In contrast, Prof Geoffrey Williams, economist and founder of Williams Business Consultancy, sees value in the handout for low‑income households, noting its multiplier effect on domestic consumption. 'RM100 does not sound like much, but it is a 6% boost for someone on minimum wage of RM1,700. For a family of four adults in the B40 group, that's about a 6–7% rise in monthly income,' he explained. Williams estimated the RM2 billion programme could generate RM6 billion in consumption through multiplier effects, providing a small but notable stimulus to economic growth in the second half of the year. 'This will particularly help SMEs in local communities. It won't harm the fiscal deficit because it's funded by subsidy rationalisation savings,' he said. Williams also suggested the initiative could act as a pilot for a more ambitious social welfare reform. 'If this evolved into a monthly universal basic income, it could be a game‑changer for social policy. Universality reduces costs and complexity, and future versions could be made more progressive,' he added. Despite the initial rally in consumer‑linked counters on Bursa Malaysia, analysts caution that sentiment‑driven gains may not be sustainable without underlying earnings growth. Ferlito pointed to external headwinds, including global political tensions and slower economic momentum, as key drivers of investor caution. 'What emerges here is the concern about the economy slowing down due to international tensions, both political and economic,' he said, warning against overestimating the handout's role in market performance. Ida echoed this, noting that investors should watch core consumption data, such as household spending trends within GDP, to gauge any lasting effects. 'Most of the time, it depends on fundamentals rather than short‑term cash injections,' she said. With the cash handout set to conclude by year‑end, attention now turns to whether Malaysia will adopt similar measures in Budget 2026. Williams believes the government should study the current initiative's outcomes to guide future policy design. 'The most important thing is to learn lessons about the impact so that Malaysia can move to a regular monthly payment. Hopefully this can be announced in Budget 2026,' he said. For now, economists agree that while the RM100 handout provides short‑term relief and a modest consumption boost, it does little to address structural income gaps or long‑term growth prospects for consumer stocks. As markets digest the announcement, the focus will likely shift back to corporate earnings, inflation trends and global economic conditions heading into 2026.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store