Solar power lights up Orang Asli village in Perak

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

GoRental Global has installed 10 portable solar battery systems in Kampung Sat, Perak, providing reliable electricity to 350 Semai Orang Asli villagers who previously had limited access to power. This initiative enables better study conditions and daily activities after dark, plans to expand to 200 families, and aims to deliver nearly 44,000 kWh of renewable energy while reducing carbon emissions over the next decade.

A solar power initiative is bringing electricity to Kampung Sat, a village in Sungkai, Perak, home to about 350 members of the Semai Orang Asli community. Previously, many residents lacked access to reliable electricity, particularly those living in traditional wooden and bamboo houses, which limited their ability to study and carry out activities after sunset.

The #PowerToEmpower project, led by GoRental Global, has installed 10 portable battery energy storage systems (BESS) that capture solar energy during the day and store it for use at night. These systems provide lighting, device charging via USB ports, and power for other essential household needs, addressing long-standing electricity shortages in the village.

Kampung Orang Asli Sat Tok Batin, Yok Raman Yok Ankeh, explained that while electricity is available in some 22 concrete houses, connecting power to traditional homes remains challenging. Some families had previously acquired small solar units, but these were prone to damage and had limited lifespan. The systems provided through the initiative offer a more durable and reliable source of power.

Resident Bah Kosong Ahmad noted the significant impact of the assistance, highlighting that his children can now study after sundown and the family can charge phones and use lighting to cook. “Before this, we didn’t have electricity in the house,” he said.

GoRental Global founder and managing director Colin Peh described the project as an effort to make safe, consistent power accessible in rural areas where grid electricity is limited. He emphasized that the initiative aims not only to distribute equipment but to ensure the community has dependable energy for daily use. The systems are designed to endure up to 6,000 charging cycles, potentially lasting nearly 12 years, and help reduce reliance on diesel and kerosene generators.

Peh outlined plans to expand the model to reach approximately 200 families over the next two years, with a focus on rural regions such as Sarawak. The solar power systems are expected to generate around 43,800 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy over a decade, preventing an estimated 120 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The project was implemented in partnership with community representatives Kenneth and Ann Toon of New Life Restoration Centre, who facilitated connections with residents and helped tailor the initiative to local needs. Kenneth Toon stressed the importance of community engagement, emphasizing that the project began with listening to the residents to understand their priorities, rather than imposing solutions.

GoRental Global’s Kampung Sat project follows earlier efforts in Thailand’s Chiang Mai Huay Nam Rin Village, where the company provided 31 battery systems and 60 solar panels. The initiative reflects a broader push to develop community energy models that address electricity access challenges in remote areas.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.