Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry

by AKMAR ANNUAR

THE Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry is calling on civil servants to adopt low-hanging, no-cost energy efficiency measures across government premises to support Malaysia’s net-zero ambitions and reduce utility spending.

In a first-of-its-kind seminar on the implementation of no-cost energy efficiency steps in federal buildings, the ministry outlined initiatives following a directive issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government’s Office on April 9, 2025.

The event aimed to increase awareness among public servants on the country’s energy transition agenda and highlight the importance of efficient energy use in major government buildings such as administrative complexes, schools and public hospitals.

According to the ministry, federal agencies currently spend up to RM260 million per month on electricity bills alone. 

If implemented comprehensively, these simple initiatives could reduce energy costs by between 3% and 5%.

“By implementing energy-saving practices throughout government buildings, the public sector can reduce utility costs while supporting national goals to achieve sustainable energy transition and lower carbon emissions,” the ministry said in a statement.

One of the most immediate measures includes setting air conditioning units to a minimum of 24°C in all office spaces and meeting rooms. 

Other actions comprise switching off lights and appliances when not in use and promoting energy-saving behaviour through internal awareness campaigns.

The seminar also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing on best practices and impact stories from departments that have already embraced energy-saving measures.

“Government hospitals that have taken the lead in these initiatives have reported tangible improvements in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability,” the ministry added.

Such practices not only help reduce the public sector’s energy footprint but also contribute to the broader objective of embedding climate-conscious behaviour into the culture of civil service operations.

No additional allocations are needed to enforce these practices, making them highly scalable and accessible across various levels of government departments. 

The ministry hopes the momentum generated from the seminar will translate into institutionalised energy conservation habits.

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