THE country is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy as Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged citizens, especially the younger generation, to adopt responsible energy practices during the Energy Efficiency Challenge 2025 awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside.
In his keynote address, Fadillah, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), reflected on the broader significance of energy efficiency, drawing inspiration from the Quranic guidance in Surah Al-A’raf: “…Eat and drink, but do not be excessive; indeed, Allah does not like those who are extravagant.”
He explained that this principle extends beyond personal lifestyle to the core of responsible energy usage.
“Using resources wisely, avoiding waste, and respecting our stewardship of the environment is paramount,” he said.
Fadillah further cited Sayyidina Umar al-Khattab, reminding attendees, “Do not burden the Earth beyond what it can bear, for it too has rights to be preserved.”
He commended the Ministry of Education, state education departments, Majlis Amanah Rakyat, school principals, teachers, and parents for nurturing environmental awareness among students, noting that the active participation of young people demonstrates a growing energy-conscious generation.
“Energy efficiency is not merely about technology – it is about cultivating the right mindset, discipline, and awareness. Small daily choices such as switching off unused lights, reducing waste, and valuing resources collectively shape our nation’s sustainable future,” he emphasised.
Highlighting the tangible impact of the challenge, Fadillah reported that energy savings for 2025 alone reached 133,030 kWh, equating to RM60,395 – more than twice the savings recorded in 2024.
Over the 12 years since the competition’s inception, cumulative energy savings have totalled 1,701,055 kWh, generating RM900,841 in value and preventing 1,316 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – an environmental benefit comparable to planting over 54,850 trees across a decade.
The Deputy Prime Minister also underlined the importance of energy literacy, citing initiatives such as the Malaysia Energy Literacy Program (MELP) and the DELIMa platform under the Ministry of Education.
“By instilling energy-conscious habits from an early age, we nurture a generation that is both responsible towards the environment and equipped to make intelligent energy choices,” he said.
Fadillah also invoked a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad to highlight the value of diligence and excellence: “Indeed Allah loves a servant who, when undertaking a task, completes it with perfection.”
He urged young Malaysians to internalise these values in their daily lives, stressing that every principled decision regarding energy use contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“With this spirit of diligence, integrity, and responsibility, I am honoured to officially open the Energy Efficiency Challenge 2025,” he added.
“May this event not only celebrate today’s winners but also inspire greater innovation, heightened awareness, and enduring commitment to shaping a sustainable energy future for Malaysia.” - November 20, 2025
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