KUCHING: The recent amendment to Sarawak’s Electricity Ordinance, passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), is set to boost the disposable income of B40 and M40 households in Sarawak.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new law allows homeowners to install solar panels on rooftops for domestic consumption, generating electricity up to 50 kilowatts (KW) without the need for a licence for domestic consumption.
He noted that surplus electricity can be sold back to the grid, providing homeowners with additional income streams while contributing to Sarawak Energy’s green energy resources.
“So, for house owners (with solar panels) that can produce 50KW but only use about 30KW, they can sell back 20KW to the main supply grid,” he explained, noting that Sarawak Energy Berhad will purchase the surplus electricity.
“As such, homeowners, especially the B40 and M40 can enjoy additional income from this; where they can use it to buy rice and other basic necessities,” he said.
“This would also be an additional source of clean power to add to other renewable sources, especially hydropower,” he added.
He was speaking at the 30th Anniversary of the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) Annual Dinner and Excellence Award at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night (Nov 25).
With the passing of the amendment to the Electricity Ordinance, he said, Sarawak can foresee even more positive changes to the housing industry in the near future.
As such, he urged innovation in house designs to accommodate solar panels, alongside other eco-friendly design concepts.
On another note, Abang Johari said the Sarawak State Budget 2024 at RM12.363 billion signified an increase of RM1.566 billion compared to the current budget of RM10.797 billion.
“These positive signs in our economy clearly goes to show that Sarawak’s economy continues to expand because of our sound and forward-looking policies.
“Our flourishing economy means that the supporting industries, the housing industry in particular, will also be in the upward trend,” he said.
Sarawak Government has allocated a Budget of RM105 million for the implementation of 17 Affordable Housing projects in Kuching, Limbang, Miri, Betong, Mukah and Sarikei, using the Industrialised Building System (IBS).
RM122 million has been allocated to Mutiara Mortgage and Credit Sdn Bhd to address end-financing issues affecting B40 and M40 homebuyers, out of which a total of about RM84 million has been approved as at August 2023 and RM54 million, disbursed.
Meanwhile, RM601 million has been approved for 16 Urban Renewal Projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Among those who present were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Seri Datuk Amar Jumaani Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, State Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Business Federation President Datuk Seri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, SHEDA President Augustine Wong Chung Ho, Organising Chairman Datuk Bobby Ting, Chairlady of the SHEDA Excellence Awards 2023 Angie Kueh.
