The Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, has encouraged state governments to follow Pahang’s example by incorporating solar panel installations in the construction of low-cost housing to improve access to solar energy for lower-income households.

Abdul Rahman explained that the initial cost of installing solar panels could be included in the overall price of the home, making solar power more accessible without requiring additional upfront expenses from buyers. He illustrated this with a scenario in which a RM150,000 low-cost house would increase to RM160,000 after adding RM10,000 for solar equipment. The entire amount would be covered by the housing loan, thereby enabling residents to benefit from solar energy from the start.

This approach, he noted, is already being implemented in Pahang’s low-cost housing developments to assist households with limited income. His comments were made in response to a question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who inquired about plans to help low-income families replace energy-intensive appliances or install solar panels without high upfront costs.

In addition to encouraging solar panel integration in housing projects, Abdul Rahman highlighted the federal government’s SuRIA Home Programme, which provides consumers with a rebate of RM600 per kilowatt of rooftop solar capacity, up to RM3,000. The government is also promoting energy efficiency by offering e-rebates of up to RM200 for households purchasing air conditioners and refrigerators with four- or five-star energy ratings under the NUR Madani programme. This initiative aims to drive consumer adoption of energy-efficient appliances and help reduce electricity bills.

Abdul Rahman acknowledged that rising global fuel prices and prolonged hot weather have contributed to higher electricity costs. To alleviate the impact, the government has expanded measures to protect consumers. These include exemptions from the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA), Sales and Service Tax, and retail charges for domestic consumers who use up to 800 kilowatt-hours of electricity monthly—approximately equivalent to a bill of RM328 or less. These measures, which took effect in September, will continue through December and are expected to benefit about 90% of domestic consumers in Peninsular Malaysia, roughly eight million households.

Furthermore, the ministry, in coordination with the Energy Commission, is conducting preliminary reviews to improve the AFA mechanism, including plans to introduce a tiered AFA system slated for implementation in 2027. These steps reflect ongoing efforts to manage electricity costs amid fluctuating fuel prices and changing climate conditions.