A total of 21 Mersing fishing boats received benefits through the installation of isolated solar PV technology systems through a CSR project between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB).
Collaborating with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM), the Isolated Solar Electric Energy System Project successfully converted the fishing boats involved into Smart Eco-PV Boats.
Over RM100,000 of this project’s funding comes from donations made by the general public to Sadaqa House, Bank Islam’s internationally renowned social finance engine. Along with saving fishermen money and protecting the environment, particularly the ocean, it is anticipated that this sustainability initiative will be able to increase the capacity of fishing operations.
Bank Islam Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, said this project shows Bank Islam’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s goal of achieving 40 percent renewable energy use by 2035, as stated in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
“The fishing boats involved will be equipped with sustainable features such as energy-efficient electrical equipment as well as utilising energy sources obtained through the installation of PV solar panels on the top of the boat. These equipments not only improve the boat’s capabilities but also reduce the possibility of water and noise pollution as well as carbon emissions, in addition to providing diesel savings of approximately RM150 per month to the fishermen, thus helping to increase cash flow for their well-being,” he said.
The Deputy Registrar, UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Department (Student & Alumni Affairs), Arman Md Yasin; LKIM Director General, Hamdan Mamat Mamat; and Johor State LKIM, Intan Suhaila Othman were also present at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Isolated Solar Electric Energy System Development Project for 21 Fishing Boats.
For the first time in Bank Islam’s partnership with UTM’s history, Mohd Muazzam revealed that 13 higher education and training institutions nationwide, employing 180 students and employees, successfully completed the solar panel installation this time around.
Educational establishments involved include the following: Mersing Industrial Training Institute (ILP), Pasir Gudang Industrial Training Institute (ILP), Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail Polytechnic, Jempol Community College, Kuala Langat Community College, Segamat Community College 2, Beaufort Community College, National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) Jitra, Mara Skills Institute (IKM) Johor Bahru, and High Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) Batu Pahat.
“The Mersing project was started in February and finished in its entirety on April 30. Thank God, the provision of these amenities on the concerned boats has produced encouraging results,” he remarked.
Through a partnership with UTM, four village settlements have received solar systems since UTM was chosen in 2018 as an implementing partner of Sadaqa House Bank Islam. It is made up of three Orang Asli villages: Kampung Woh Intake in Tapah, Perak; Kampung Tewowoh, Mersing, and Kampung Pucur, Kluang, Johor as well as a fishing village on the water, which is Kampung Linting, Tanjung Surat Island, Johor.
Since 2018, Sadaqa House has channelled a total of over RM400,000 for the provision of renewable energy sources to vulnerable community groups in rural areas.
Mohd Muazzam added, “We are committed to mobilising livelihood sharing efforts with various target groups to ensure comprehensive financial inclusion, and cooperation with UTM and LKIM will enable us to provide lasting benefits for the welfare and development of Malaysian fishermen.”
Meanwhile, LKIM Director General, Hamdan Mamat said, “LKIM welcomes any party to contribute to fishermen to develop the country’s fisheries sector. With the existence of this more modern and innovative system, it is seen as being able to further increase the supply of the country’s protein sources and reduce its dependence on food imports.
“In addition, the increasingly modern fishing system can attract young people to become fishermen and consider fishing as a profitable and interesting professional job, along with the passage of time and the latest technology. LKIM appreciates the cooperation from Bank Islam and UTM for their contribution in terms of equipment and energy throughout this project,” he said.
UTM’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ts. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, states that the university always puts the needs of the Watan community abroad first in order to help them live better lives and have access to more convenient facilities. In order to carry out community service-related programmes, UTM consistently works with TVET institutions.
“We hope that with our contribution in terms of expertise and manpower, all UTM staff and students can provide multiple and long-lasting benefits to the fishermen in Mersing,” he said.
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