PUTRAJAYA should introduce laws to make solar panels for new homes compulsory as part of a move to support renewable energy and the sector, Kepong lawmaker Lim Lip Eng said today.

He said the federal government should emulate the Sarawak government’s initiative to make solar panels compulsory for new homes in the state.

“There is no doubt such a proposal would not only help the renewable energy industry in Malaysia to thrive, but it will also make Malaysia a pioneer of renewable energy in the Southeast Asian region. 

“Furthermore, this suggestion would also promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change.

“I am very confident such an initiative can be put forward and prioritised by the unity government,” the DAP lawmaker said in a statement.

He said many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia have already mandated that all new homes built from 2020 must have solar panels installed. 

He added that the cost of installing solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, making it a more affordable and practical solution for new homeowners. 

“Moreover, Malaysia has existing green energy bodies such as the Sustainable Energy Development Authority to facilitate such transition from fossil fuels to green energy. 

“The federal government should emulate Sarawak’s initiative by imposing new laws and regulations for both the public and private sectors to protect the environment and to tackle climate change, as it is a pressing global issue that needs urgent attention,” he said. 

Earlier this week, Sarawak Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the state was studying the possibility of compulsory solar panel installation for new residential areas.

“This idea was presented by Premier Abang Johari Openg when he was the state housing minister. I was with him seven to eight years ago to present this idea at the early stage.

“Recently, Sarawak Energy took part in the Feed-In Tariff programme as implemented in Putrajaya and the Klang Valley. This can be implemented systematically. It needs the involvement of Sarawak Energy alongside property developers and others involved.

“Maybe in the future, after discussions with various quarters, we can amend our (existing) housing law to ensure the new houses are equipped with solar panels,” he said. – April 27, 2023.