Emulate Pahang's Low-cost Housing Project Incorporating Solar Systems, State Govts Told
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government has not yet introduced solar photovoltaic (PV) installation assistance specifically for the low-income group, but is encouraging state governments to provide low-cost housing equipped with solar systems.
Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said they can emulate Pahang’s low-cost housing project which comes with solar systems.
“New housing construction in Pahang has incorporated the cost of solar PV installation in the purchase price. If a housing unit costs RM150,000, a sum of RM10,000 is added, bringing the total to RM160,000, and the housing loan is based on RM160,000. This means that the residents automatically have access to solar power.
“This is one of the measures implemented by the Pahang state government to help low-income groups through its low-cost housing projects.
“Other state governments can also consider adopting the approach I have just described, as implemented in Pahang,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who asked whether the government plans to introduce targeted electricity-saving assistance or waive upfront costs for solar installations to ease the low-income households’ financial burden.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the Federal Government has allocated RM150 million for the Sustainable Rebate and Incentive Assistance (SuRIA) Home programme, which offers a rebate of RM600 for every kilowatt of alternating current (kWac) installed for residential rooftop solar systems, subject to a maximum rebate of RM3,000 per household, equivalent to 5 kWac.
The programme targets to benefit about 45,000 to 50,000 households, particularly those in the M40 income group and some households in the B40 group that can afford to instal solar systems at home.
“In addition, the government has introduced the NUR MADANI programme, which offers a rebate of RM200 to domestic households purchasing energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators rated four or five stars. This is one of our initiatives to encourage consumers to save electricity,” he said.
In response to the original question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) regarding the reasons for the significant increase in electricity bills and the extent to which the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA) mechanism would be reviewed, Abdul Rahman said the matter had been addressed comprehensively during the Special Chamber session on Oct 8, 2026, and the Ministers’ Question Time session on Oct 15, 2026.
“The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, together with the Energy Commission, has taken preliminary steps to review proposals to improve the existing AFA mechanism, including the introduction of a tiered AFA system, which is scheduled for implementation from 2027.
“This measure is important to ensure that all decisions concerning electricity tariffs are balanced, so that the country’s electricity supply remains affordable, reliable and sustainable,” he added.
-- BERNAMA