(Miri, 6th) Datuk Hazlan, Deputy Minister of the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, pointed out that Malaysia's energy transition is at a critical stage, and engineering professionals with technical expertise play an indispensable role.
Datuk Hazlan Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, stated this while presiding over the online opening ceremony of the "2025 Malaysian Institution of Engineers (IEM) Energy Month" today.
He said that the engineering community should actively respond to the national energy policy, collaborate to promote green and low-carbon development, and implement the vision of energy transition.
This "Energy Month" event, jointly organized by the Miri branch of the Malaysian Institution of Engineers and the Young Engineers Section, aims to enhance the awareness and participation of the public, professionals, and students in energy sustainability, innovation, and future challenges. During the event, a series of lectures and field visits covering key areas such as ocean energy, hydrogen energy, solar energy, biomass energy, and energy management will be conducted.
Hazlan pointed out that with the continuous growth of global energy demand and the increasingly severe issue of climate change, Malaysia must accelerate the reform of its energy system to ensure the sustained stability of the national economy, industrial development, and the welfare of its people.
He stated that the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) is actively promoting a diversified, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy mix, and the IEM Energy Month is highly aligned with the national energy goals, helping to stimulate cross-disciplinary dialogue and cooperation.
"The Malaysian government is committed to implementing a fair and sustainable energy transition, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA), which will take effect on January 1, 2025, is an important step."
He said that the act mandates various sectors, especially large commercial buildings and industrial users, to comply with specific Building Energy Intensity (BEI) standards, and those who fail to meet the standards will be required to undergo an energy audit. This policy will promote energy-saving awareness nationwide and help the country achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Hazlan emphasized that engineering professionals are at the forefront of energy reform, with engagements needed in all aspects from design and implementation to consulting and education to professionally drive the initiative.
"The Energy Month event is not just a platform for sharing knowledge but also a crucial opportunity for engineers to reflect on their roles, inspire innovation, and drive change."
He also praised the organizers for their thoughtful arrangement of lectures and field visit content, considering it an excellent combination of theory and practice, especially in inspiring young engineers and students and cultivating future energy leaders for the country.
"I firmly believe that the 2025 Energy Month event will have a profound impact and hope that all participants will engage enthusiastically, explore proactively, and jointly create a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future for Malaysia."