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Johor out to promote use of solar panel

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state government is looking at using solar panels for its buildings as part of a long-term initiative to promote the use of renewable energy to the community.

State International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said they would be taking the lead to implement the project.

“Currently, we are talking to several solar companies. We will install the system in a few of our buildings.

“Once installed, we will get the local authorities to get involved, followed by the private sectors.

“We want to inspire others to make the change,” he said.

He said the initiative was not to gain money but to create social awareness.

“There are so many places where you can put up solar panels such as carparks, shopping complexes, bus stations and schools. It would be a waste not to tap into this energy,” Puah said.

He said the state’s initiative gained support from Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin.

He said they had been talking about the initiative for several months now as it involved cost.

“We are also looking at the format to implement it and open tenders to secure suppliers to supply the panels,” he said.

He said they would be working with a few local companies but foreign firms are also keen to supply them the solar panels.

“I hope to be able to finalise the deals by year-end and start using the solar panels by next year,” Puah said. — Bernama

Source: TheStar