News

SEPANG — The Photovoltaic Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at KLIA Aeropolis, developed exclusively for the use of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), is a crucial step in ensuring that Malaysia’s energy transition takes place in a practical, stable and large-scale manner.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (picture) said the initiative also supports Malaysia’s target of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy usage by 2050.

He said that as the nation’s main transportation hub and Malaysia’s economic gateway, KLIA is a critical infrastructure that requires a stable, secure and high-quality energy supply to ensure the continuity of large-scale operations.

“When fully completed, this project is expected to generate around 46 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of green electricity annually for KLIA’s use.

“In terms of environmental impact, the project is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 35,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 8,000 vehicles from the roads,” he said at the Solar Farm and BESS launch ceremony here today. 

Fadillah said the initiative would also position KLIA as a more competitive international airport in achieving a favourable standing under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA).

He said the implementation of the KLIA Aeropolis project should be viewed as a strategic initiative that supports Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) aspiration to achieve a renewable energy mix target of 20 per cent by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with MAHB’s Net Zero Decarbonisation Roadmap.

“This project reflects a new approach in the energy sector, moving beyond merely adding generation capacity towards building a more flexible, intelligent and resilient energy system,” he said.

Fadillah said he noted that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Cenergi Aeropolis Renewable Energy Sdn Bhd (CARE), had been established through a strategic collaboration between MAHB and Cenergi SEA to manage the implementation of the project in a more structured and focused manner.

He said solar energy is a clean and competitive energy source, but its intermittent nature depends on weather conditions and time.

Therefore, he said that within the context of managing the national electricity supply system, components that can enhance system reliability and flexibility are required.

“This is where the role of BESS becomes a game changer. With energy storage systems in place, excess solar energy generated during the day can be stored and utilised during peak demand periods, while KLIA’s load operations can be managed more efficiently to reduce peak demand, which has cost implications through network and capacity charges,” he said.

Fadillah said projects such as this assist the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and implementing agencies in accelerating the transition of the national energy landscape towards a more stable grid system, smarter demand and energy management, and higher integration of renewable energy sources, without compromising energy security.

He stressed that the nation’s energy transition must progress in tandem with the need for reliable electricity supply, cost efficiency and Malaysia’s economic competitiveness. — BERNAMA

The post Fadillah: KLIA Aeropolis solar farm project boosts nation’s energy transition appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by NURNABIHAH DINI 

MALAYSIA’S newly launched National Food Security Policy 2030 (DKMN 2030) will serve as the country’s main compass in strengthening food supply resilience amid climate volatility, geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions. 

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (picture) stressed that it is not merely a policy document, but a set direction of the national food security agenda.

Fadillah said the global food system is currently facing what he described as a “perfect storm”, driven by extreme climate events, pest and disease threats, geopolitical conflicts and land-use pressures, all of which have contributed to rising logistics costs and food inflation worldwide.

“Dependence on external supply chains makes us vulnerable to global economic shocks. That is why Malaysia needs a long-term, comprehensive policy to ensure food availability, affordability and sustainability,” he said at the policy’s official launch today.

Despite global challenges, Fadillah said Malaysia remains relatively stable in terms of food security, with strong self-sufficiency ratios (SSR) in several key sectors, including poultry and eggs, which recorded SSRs of 92.9% and 107% respectively in 2024. 

Fruits and tropical vegetables also showed healthy SSR levels, although rice and milk production remain at moderate levels.

“Today’s achievements are not a guarantee for tomorrow. We cannot afford complacency,” he said, adding that DKMN 2030 is designed to future-proof the agri-food sector through structural reforms and innovation.

Under the policy, the government will focus on five core pillars, namely sustainability and resilience; farmer welfare; economic growth; food safety and quality; and reducing food loss and waste. 

The policy also emphasises digitalisation through smart agriculture, including the use of drones, Internet of Things (IoT) systems and artificial intelligence to improve productivity and attract youth participation.

Fadillah stressed that food security is not the responsibility of one ministry alone but a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving multiple ministries, state governments, the private sector and research institutions.

At the regional level, he said Malaysia has demonstrated leadership by securing consensus among Asean leaders on the Asean Vision for Food, Agriculture and Forestry towards 2045, positioning food diplomacy as a strategic tool for regional stability.

“As a further commitment, the government is now in the process of drafting a National Food Security Act to provide a strong legal foundation to safeguard our food sovereignty for future generations,” he said.

The post National Food Security Policy 2030 to anchor Malaysia’s resilience amid global shocks appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by HIDAYATH HISHAM

THE Basic Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) plan is intended to complement and not replace public healthcare, as the government moves to widen access to more affordable private medical coverage.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Basic MHIT plan was announced through a White Paper on Jan 22 as part of broader efforts to ease rising cost pressures in the private healthcare sector.

“The Basic MHIT plan will complement and not replace public healthcare, which will continue to provide universal access for all Malaysians,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Amir Hamzah was responding to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH–Kota Melaka) on the plan’s objectives, its target groups and whether it can reduce household medical costs compared with existing insurance products.

He said the Basic MHIT plan is aimed at enabling more Malaysians to obtain private medical coverage in a way that is more affordable, sustainable and easier to understand.

The plan will provide standardised benefits for essential hospital treatment costs, including daycare treatment, selected high-impact medicines, and pre- and post-hospitalisation care.

He said the Basic MHIT plan is part of the Reset strategy to address cost pressures in the private healthcare industry.

The product will target Malaysians who do not currently have medical insurance or takaful but can afford private coverage.

It will also target existing MHIT policyholders who are seeking a more affordable alternative.

The voluntary plan is designed to keep premium increases more stable and predictable across the policy period.

He said this will be supported by standardised benefits and premiums across insurers and takaful operators offering the plan, alongside cost-control measures including differentiated co-payments and a phased shift towards diagnosis-related group payment models.

The plan will also be a simplified, stand-alone product that is not investment-linked to make it easier for consumers to understand and compare.

“With more controlled premiums, including as age increases, the plan is expected to reduce healthcare cost pressures on households and offer a more affordable option compared with existing insurance plans,” he said.

Amir Hamzah said the plan will begin with a pilot phase in the second half of 2026, followed by full implementation in early 2027.

He said existing policyholders will be able to switch to the Basic MHIT plan with their current insurer or takaful operator after interim measures end without new underwriting or waiting periods.

The post Basic MHIT meant to complement, not replace public healthcare appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by HIDAYATH HISHAM

THE Basic Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) plan is intended to complement and not replace public healthcare, as the government moves to widen access to more affordable private medical coverage.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Basic MHIT plan was announced through a White Paper on Jan 22 as part of broader efforts to ease rising cost pressures in the private healthcare sector.

“The Basic MHIT plan will complement and not replace public healthcare, which will continue to provide universal access for all Malaysians,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Amir Hamzah was responding to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH–Kota Melaka) on the plan’s objectives, its target groups and whether it can reduce household medical costs compared with existing insurance products.

He said the Basic MHIT plan is aimed at enabling more Malaysians to obtain private medical coverage in a way that is more affordable, sustainable and easier to understand.

The plan will provide standardised benefits for essential hospital treatment costs, including daycare treatment, selected high-impact medicines, and pre- and post-hospitalisation care.

He said the Basic MHIT plan is part of the Reset strategy to address cost pressures in the private healthcare industry.

The product will target Malaysians who do not currently have medical insurance or takaful but can afford private coverage.

It will also target existing MHIT policyholders who are seeking a more affordable alternative.

The voluntary plan is designed to keep premium increases more stable and predictable across the policy period.

He said this will be supported by standardised benefits and premiums across insurers and takaful operators offering the plan, alongside cost-control measures including differentiated co-payments and a phased shift towards diagnosis-related group payment models.

The plan will also be a simplified, stand-alone product that is not investment-linked to make it easier for consumers to understand and compare.

“With more controlled premiums, including as age increases, the plan is expected to reduce healthcare cost pressures on households and offer a more affordable option compared with existing insurance plans,” he said.

Amir Hamzah said the plan will begin with a pilot phase in the second half of 2026, followed by full implementation in early 2027.

He said existing policyholders will be able to switch to the Basic MHIT plan with their current insurer or takaful operator after interim measures end without new underwriting or waiting periods.

The post Basic MHIT meant to complement, not replace public healthcare appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by NURNABIHAH DINI 

THE government’s newly launched National Food Security Policy 2030 will prioritise safeguarding consumers’ purchasing power while reducing Malaysia’s reliance on food imports, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (picture).

“Two main things we are focusing on are maintaining the purchasing power of the people and finding ways to reduce imports, while at the same time increasing exports,” he told reporters at a press conference after the launch of the policy.

Mohamad said while certain imports such as potatoes and soybeans remain unavoidable, the government aims to narrow the gap between food imports and exports by expanding overseas markets for local agricultural produce, including durian, jackfruit and coconut.

“We want to close the gap between exports and imports. There are many local products that can be expanded for export, and this is where we want to focus our efforts,” he said.

He also raised concerns over Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency level, which currently stands at just over 50%, describing the situation as risky amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

“It is very dangerous if something happens abroad. Our dependence on imported rice cannot continue. Food must be produced and secured within Malaysia,” he said, adding that the government is intensifying efforts to modernise paddy farming through smart agriculture technologies.

Mohamad said the policy adopts a whole-of-government approach, involving multiple ministries to strengthen the food system, from production and logistics to pricing and distribution.

Another key pillar of the policy, he said, is tackling food waste, particularly during the fasting month, noting that Malaysia could learn from practices in countries such as Japan and Thailand.

“This is the first time we are pushing food waste reduction seriously during Ramadan. Even five-star hotels in Japan and Thailand remind diners not to waste food,” he said.

On environmental concerns linked to livestock farming, including pig farming, Mohamad stressed that the issue should be addressed from a pollution and sustainability standpoint rather than religious considerations.

“This is an issue of pollution, not religion. We want to work with state governments to ensure proper waste management and zero-waste infrastructure so that food production does not harm the environment,” he said.

Mohamad added that the ministry will continue engaging with state governments and international partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, marketing channels and long-term food security for the country.

The post Food Security Policy to focus on purchasing power, reducing imports appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by NURNABIHAH DINI 

THE government’s newly launched National Food Security Policy 2030 will prioritise safeguarding consumers’ purchasing power while reducing Malaysia’s reliance on food imports, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (picture).

“Two main things we are focusing on are maintaining the purchasing power of the people and finding ways to reduce imports, while at the same time increasing exports,” he told reporters at a press conference after the launch of the policy.

Mohamad said while certain imports such as potatoes and soybeans remain unavoidable, the government aims to narrow the gap between food imports and exports by expanding overseas markets for local agricultural produce, including durian, jackfruit and coconut.

“We want to close the gap between exports and imports. There are many local products that can be expanded for export, and this is where we want to focus our efforts,” he said.

He also raised concerns over Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency level, which currently stands at just over 50%, describing the situation as risky amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

“It is very dangerous if something happens abroad. Our dependence on imported rice cannot continue. Food must be produced and secured within Malaysia,” he said, adding that the government is intensifying efforts to modernise paddy farming through smart agriculture technologies.

Mohamad said the policy adopts a whole-of-government approach, involving multiple ministries to strengthen the food system, from production and logistics to pricing and distribution.

Another key pillar of the policy, he said, is tackling food waste, particularly during the fasting month, noting that Malaysia could learn from practices in countries such as Japan and Thailand.

“This is the first time we are pushing food waste reduction seriously during Ramadan. Even five-star hotels in Japan and Thailand remind diners not to waste food,” he said.

On environmental concerns linked to livestock farming, including pig farming, Mohamad stressed that the issue should be addressed from a pollution and sustainability standpoint rather than religious considerations.

“This is an issue of pollution, not religion. We want to work with state governments to ensure proper waste management and zero-waste infrastructure so that food production does not harm the environment,” he said.

Mohamad added that the ministry will continue engaging with state governments and international partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, marketing channels and long-term food security for the country.

The post Food Security Policy to focus on purchasing power, reducing imports appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.