Listening attentively – TEEAM highlighting issues of concern to the Minister.

A  7-member delegation headed by the President Engr Fu Wing Hoong paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water on 24th November 2009.  The visit aimed to create close rapport with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA).  It was also to understand the policy of the ministry with regard to sustainable/alternative energy and to brief the Minister on current issues faced by TEEAM members.

Highlights of the discussion were:

• Green technology is very much emphasised by the ministry and it is a new growth area that TEEAM members could explore.  The use of energy efficient equipment is encouraged by the government and the ministry is willing to promote new innovations that promote energy efficiency. TEEAM highlighted the use of HID lamps that can cut energy cost.  TEEAM also appealed to the ministry to carry out enforcement on high watt lost electronic ballast which is widely sold in the market. TEEAM supports strongly the Green Building Index aimed to promote sustainability in the built environment and to promote awareness on environmental issues.
• Malaysia is in need of a full fledged electrotechnical laboratory.  A task force has been set up to work on the proposed high power laboratory which comprised high voltage and high current. Such laboratory is very important to test regulated electrical products locally.  Though SIRIM claimed to have all the testing facilities but short circuit test which is most important with regard to safety is not available. The Minister noted TEEAM’s view and will include the agenda in the Asean Minister energy programme.
• TEEAM highlighted to the Minister that although the government had approved the switch to nominal supply voltage of 230V single phase, 400V 3- phase system, the industry supply system has still not responded to this new requirement. All new installations continue to use the old nominal supply 240/415V.  This had caused some confusion to the manufacturers. TEEAM suggests that TNB takes the first step of implementing this policy by enforcing all new installations to be based on nominal supply voltage of 230/400V.  The Minister will take the matter up with TNB.
• The well known “lighting issue” was also brought to the Minister’s attention.  The restriction on the use of lighting products for government projects from only four suppliers has drawn negative response from the industry and has hindered further investment.

The meeting concluded with a note of thanks to the Minister for his time and for giving TEEAM the opportunity to highlight issues of concern.