Malaysia's Energy Efficiency Master Plan Soon

The National Energy Efficiency Master Plan (NEEMP) that will strategize Malaysia's efforts in addressing energy security, global warming and climate change issues, has been finalised.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Loo Took Gee said the Peer Review Team from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) had also reviewed the plan.

"We take positively their comments and confidence in this master plan. It would be submitted to the Cabinet very soon," she said when launching the Asean Energy Management Scheme (AEMAS) and Conference here Tuesday.

With the NEEMP, she said, Malaysia would have a comprehensive and systematic approach towards energy efficiency.

"The master plan would also complement many energy efficiency initiatives that have been carried out in the past with notable achievements," she said.

Malaysia is committed to reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by up to 40 per cent by 2020.

On AEMAS, Loo said the establishment was to increase energy efficiency in industries in the ASEAN region through training and accreditation of energy managers on a large scale and the certification of energy end-users.

She said the main objectives of the AEMAS were to reduce energy consumption in the industrial sector in ASEAN, to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in ASEAN, and to increase the professional standing of accredited energy managers.

"The launch of the Malaysian Chapter of AEMAS marks an important milestone that will support our transition to an energy efficient nation, as we place priority on the need for human capital competency and the drawing up of a code of practices to use technology effectively.

"We are confident that AEMAS has the capability to facilitate such efforts which will create the critical mass required for human capacity in promoting energy efficiency and conservation to ensure energy security for our country," she said.

Loo said the government had established the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) with a RM1.5 billion fund to provide soft loans with an interest subsidy of two per cent to companies.

"It is for companies that supply, utilise and promote green technology, including energy efficiency and conservation," she said.

Under the GTFS which commenced on Jan 1, 2010, suppliers are able to obtain loans of up to RM50 million and for consumers up to RM10 million.