Talkback Thursday: Energy Efficiency

The fuel hike that has us paying RM2.10 per litre for RON95 is something that we’re adjusting to, although when the news first hit, many of us worried over how it’ll hurt our pockets. So imagine, if you will, how things would be like in the future when fuel prices are higher and we’d end up paying, say RM5 per litre. Will our reaction be ten times worse than it is now?

Perhaps the solution isn’t how else the government can help subsidise to help Malaysians, but how the country can help itself by looking at other sources of energy, instead of being completely reliant on fuels. United Nation’s Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has said that renewable energy has the ability to lift the poorest nations to new levels of prosperity.

Tapping into renewable energy and efficiency practices isn’t exactly something that is top-of-mind for most of us but it’s a move that the government is working to introduce. The first of its initiatives that applies directly to us is the introduction of 0% tax incentive on Hybrid cars, and sales have surged since its announcement.

But ultimately, how do we move Malaysia towards becoming a nation ready to embrace energy efficiency options and understanding how it will help bring down the rising costs of living?