Give incentives for solar firms to cut costs, Akmal urges govt

Umno Deputy Youth Leader Akmal Saleh has proposed that the government provide incentives to solar companies to make solar panel installations more affordable for households. Speaking to reporters in Petaling Jaya, Akmal suggested that the government should help more households switch to solar energy to reduce their electricity bills in the long run.

He argued that increased competition among solar energy providers would help lower installation costs, making solar panel installations more accessible to a larger number of households.

Akmal, who also represents the Merlimau constituency, noted that if the government continues to rely on subsidies to cover the higher costs of generating electricity, it could lead to increased government financial burdens if fuel prices rise. He added that investing in solar energy for the benefit of the public could help reduce households' dependence on grid electricity in the long term.

Akmal commented on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's statement made yesterday, where Anwar said various ministries would meet with the Energy Advisory Council and Tenaga Nasional Berhad to discuss measures to alleviate the impact of electricity bill increases amid the global energy crisis and heatwave. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, stated that recent heatwaves and power outages have led to increased electricity consumption among some households, pushing their monthly usage above the 600kWh threshold, thereby exposing them to the automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism (Afa).

Two ministries, Finance and Transformation and New Energy, are scheduled to discuss the issue today. The meeting is set to involve the Finance and Transformation and New Energy ministries. Earlier this year, the government introduced the Sustainable Rebate and Incentive Assistance (SuRIA Home) initiative, offering cash rebates up to RM3,000 to households that install rooftop solar power systems.