On 4th August 2010, TEEAM organised a networking luncheon with Energy Commission, Malaysia (ST) and Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Associations at Toh Yuen Chinese Restaurant, Petaling Jaya Hilton Hotel.
The luncheon session was attended by Ir Amir Hassan (Deputy Director of Electrical Safety, ST), Ms Josephine Wong Sai Fong (Malaysian Fire Protection Association – MFPA President), Ir Soon See Leak (Malaysian Lift & Escalator Association – MALEA President), Mr Ricky Yaw Chan Choy (Malaysian AirConditioning & Refrigeration Association – MACRA President) and Ir Wong Loo Min (Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia – ACEM President).
TEEAM was represented by Engr Fu Wing Hoong (President), Ir Steven Ng Khoon Hwa (Deputy President), Dato’ Ir Lee Peng Joo (Immediate Past President cum Adviser), Mr Suresh Kumar Gorasia (Past President), Ir Chew Shee Fuee (Vice President), Engr Leong Kam Seng (Vice President), Mr Ho Khai Hong (Honorary Secretary), Mr Jack Soon Lee Hock (Assistant Honorary Secretary), YBhg Datuk Ir (Dr) Mohd Annas Hj Mohd Nor (Technical Adviser), Ir Rocky Wong Hon Thang (Honorary Fellow cum Technical Adviser) and Council Members: Mr Simon Leong Kien Khan, Ir Chang Yew Cheong and Mr Lawrence Lai Kun Hoong.
The purpose was to network, share views on common issues, and enhance better understanding and working relationship. TEEAM called for a common stand on the following issues of common interest:
Power Factor
In line with the government’s intention to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2020, TEEAM is proposing to have a new power factor (PF) requirement. PF improvement can increase more power in the electrical distribution system and hence can reduce the numbers of power plant-up and thus reduce our emission level.
The current TNB tariff requires PF to have a minimum of 0.85 for voltages below 132 kV. There is a penalty for bad PF and likewise there should be a corresponding reward for achieving good PF.
TEEAM proposes that if PF is above 0.85, an incentive discount of one percent (1%) of the bill for that month for each one-hundredth part (0.01) above 0.85 lagging PF will be given to the bill for that month. If the overall PF can be kept at 0.95, it means that there is an extra 10% electrical power in the system available for distribution. TNB can sell an extra 10% without incurring any extra cost, and the amount of carbon reduction would be substantial.
Foreign Workers
The shortage of workers is real and is across the whole spectrum of the M&E industry. TEEAM calls on the government to have a clear policy to manage foreign workers in an orderly manner. Malaysia needs foreign workers to help us move into the high income economy. Only with a steady supply of workers will the companies be able to expand and create high income economy opportunity.
Construction Industry Payment Adjudication Act (CIPAA)
The main issue affecting the construction industry has always been the problem of delay as well as non-payment. Alternative dispute resolutions such as arbitration and litigation are time consuming and are often expensive. Hence the proposed CIPAA is recommended to ensure timely payment. TEEAM appreciates CIDB’s effort in driving the proposed CIPAA to be enacted. However, the Act is yet to be gazetted and it is hoped that all M&E associations can join force to pressure the government to expedite the matter.
National Electro-technical Laboratory
Malaysia is in urgent need of a full fledged Electro-technical laboratory to be jointly managed by the regulatory authorities, industry associations and government users. It is estimated the laboratory will cost about RM500 million, and another RM100 million per year for the next five years to get it to the stage of self-financing. This is a necessary infrastructure to propel the electrical industry.
Green Technology
TEEAM is in support of the government’s move to emphasise on green technology. We are in full support of special feed-in-tariff for BIPV grid connected and renewable power sources from solar, biomass, hydro and wind etc. This encourages building owners to use roof top space to collect energy and it also helps to promote new industry in the manufacture of DC equipment for use in office with BIPV system and the planting up of more renewable power.
Building Integrated Cooling (BIC) System is another energy conservation effort that is supported by TEEAM. Water is pumped to a storage tank on top of a building and is then supplied to the taps in the building by gravity and in some cases with pumps. If this water is made to flow to the walls facing the sun, it will help to remove the heat, hence reducing air conditioning load besides supplying warm water to showers. We believe that this will be a well supported green initiative. TEEAM hopes to have collaboration with M&E associations in this area.
Strong bonds – (seated from left) Ir Rocky Wong Hon Thang (TEEAM Honorary Fellow cum Technical Adviser), Mr Simon Leong Kien Khan (TEEAM Council Member), Dato’ Ir Lee Peng Joo (TEEAM Immediate Past President cum Adviser), Ir Amir Hassan (ST Deputy Director of Electrical Safety), Engr Fu Wing Hoong (TEEAM President), YBhg Datuk Ir (Dr) Mohd Annas Hj Mohd Nor (TEEAM Technical Adviser) and Ir Wong Loo Min (ACEM President). (standing from left) Engr Leong Kam Seng (TEEAM Vice President), Mr Suresh Kumar Gorasia (TEEAM Past President) and Mr Ho Khai Hong (TEEAM Honorary Secretary).