PENANG is stepping up its energy transition efforts in support of Malaysia’s target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Speaking to reporters after the Penang Green Summit at Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) today, Chow said the state’s ongoing initiatives reflect its firm commitment to transforming sustainability policies into tangible results.
“The focus on energy transition and renewable energy highlights our responsibility to strengthen sustainability across industries and communities.
“This is in line with the national agenda, where every state must play its vital role in tackling climate change,” he said.
Chow noted that Penang had already introduced its Renewable Energy Roadmap last year and would continue collaborating with industry players and communities to accelerate the shift towards cleaner energy.
“We want to work together to develop policies, implement programmes and take actions that deliver real impact.
“It may seem like a long journey, but the earlier we act, the greater our contribution will be towards global climate goals,” he stressed.
Touching on this year’s summit theme, Moving Towards Sustainable Energy, Chow said it reflected the urgency of achieving a balanced and resilient energy ecosystem in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
He also announced the launch of the Climate Mitigation Fund (CMF), Malaysia’s first state-level blended financing platform, established in collaboration with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad.
“This fund will help finance the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mid-tier companies in their transition towards sustainable production through preparatory assistance, financing incentives and ESG capacity-building programmes,” Chow said.
He added that the fund would support key sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), precision engineering and medical technology, ensuring that Penang enterprises remain competitive.
“Through this collaboration, the Penang Green Council (PGC) will work hand in hand with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad to define the qualifying and monitoring criteria, ensuring that every investment contributes meaningfully to our sustainability goals,” he said.
Chow also highlighted that Penang’s Energy Framework, launched in November 2024, had become a living strategy driving renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency across sectors.
In addition, PGC is working closely with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on an AI-assisted energy data platform to enable smarter, data-driven planning for sustainable development.
He said that between 2019 and 2024, energy intensity in Penang’s manufacturing sector dropped by 19%, while water intensity fell by 22% and industrial waste sent to landfills decreased by 24%.
Chow added that the recent United States–Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement also presents opportunities for Penang to attract quality investments in advanced and sustainable manufacturing.
He thanked the PGC team, partners and sponsors for their support, calling on all parties to work together for a cleaner, smarter and resilient future.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state is intensifying its drive towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future with the implementation of its Penang Energy Framework.
He said the framework serves as the state’s roadmap to achieve a 10% renewable energy target by 2030, in line with the national goal of achieving a 70% renewable energy share by 2050.
“We are also exploring innovative ways to expand solar energy generation, including floating solar projects on dams and other water bodies,” he said, adding that the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is studying the feasibility of such initiatives.
Zairil also praised PGC efforts for organising the summit, saying the number of participants has doubled to 230 this year.
Among those present were Japanese Consul to Penang His Excellency Shinya Machida, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, PGC general manager Josephine Tan, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and the summit organising chairman Datuk Lim Hua Kwang.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En