Kuala Lumpur: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), in collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through a corporate social responsibility initiative, is set to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at two mosques with a budget of RM130,698.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PETRA secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli stated that the mosques, Masjid Al-Hijrah located in the Fishermen Resettlement Area (PSN) in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, and Masjid Al Huda in Kampung Rantau Abang, Dungun, Terengganu, have received allocations of RM41,999 and RM88,699, respectively. These installations aim to reduce monthly electricity expenses, enhance environmental sustainability, and increase community awareness, all while contributing to lower carbon emissions by substituting conventional energy sources with solar power.
The initiative underscores the importance of making energy transition accessible to communities, with solar energy being a pivotal component under PETRA's programs. Mad Zaidi encouraged other companies to emulate TNB's efforts in contributing to the energy transition. The solar PV systems will be implemented under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) GoMen scheme. This scheme allows solar energy generated during daylight to be used for electricity, with any surplus energy being fed back into the TNB grid and subsequently reimported for nighttime use.
The imam of Masjid Al-Hijrah PSN Tok Bali, Amirul Mukminin Mohd Roslan, highlighted that the solar project would benefit over 1,200 local residents. The installation is expected to facilitate more mosque activities, especially during the night, while also aiding in reducing electricity bills.
Halim Mamat, the chairman and imam of Masjid Al-Huda in Kampung Rantau Abang, Dungun, expressed gratitude towards TNB for the solar PV system, which is planned for installation in the mosque's parking area. He noted that the mosque's electricity bills, previously financed solely by the mosque's management fund, could now see a significant reduction. This financial relief would enable the mosque to utilize its funds for other purposes such as enhancing the mosque's ambiance.
The installation at Masjid Al-Huda is projected to save RM9,307 in electricity bills within the first year, with an estimated total savings of RM97,228 over 25 years.