Sarawak Mulling Compulsory Solar Panels For New Homes

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The Sarawak government is studying the possibility of compulsory solar panel installation for new residential areas, said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
According to The Borneo Post, Abdul Rahman said the government discussed the matter with the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda).
“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 (FIT) 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.
Last December, the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in Japan made solar installation mandatory for all new homes built after April 1, 2025.
The European Union was also considering similar legislation with a goal of making solar the biggest energy source by 2030 and reducing dependency on Russian fossil fuels.
Abdul Rahman said solar energy harvesting in Sarawak was still limited and could be expanded in view of Sarawak’s position as a host for solar panel producers.
“This is to ensure the users can save their energy usage, and at the same time ensure the development of this environmentally-friendly industry.
“Perhaps in the future, (solar panels) can be used by our state and can be part of a system for housing areas, especially those in urban areas,” he added. - Mkini

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