Case Studies: 3 Malaysian Businesses Leading the Way in Solar Energy Adoption

Malaysia’s journey towards a greener future is being led by businesses that have embraced solar energy not just as an environmental choice, but as a strategic financial decision. Across sectors, companies are leveraging government incentives and innovative financing models to install solar systems, achieving significant cost savings, operational efficiencies, and sustainability goals.

Here, we spotlight several Malaysian businesses at the forefront of solar energy adoption, showcasing how they have successfully implemented renewable solutions and the benefits they have realised.

1. Mah Sing Group: Sustainable Manufacturing Through Solar

Mah Sing Group Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, has integrated solar energy into its manufacturing operations to align with its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

In 2021, Mah Sing Plastics Industries Sdn Bhd installed a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system with a total capacity of approximately 1.8MWp. This initiative was supported under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, allowing the company to export excess energy back to the grid.

Benefits Realised:

  • Expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 1,400 tonnes annually.
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  • Lower energy bills by offsetting daytime electricity consumption.
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  • Enhanced corporate reputation by demonstrating commitment to sustainability.

Source: Mah Sing Group Sustainability Report 2022

2. Yakult Malaysia: Solar Energy for Greener Production

Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the famous probiotic drink producer, commissioned a 1MWp solar PV system at its Seremban factory to lower its carbon footprint and operational costs.

Supported by Malaysia’s Self-Consumption (SELCO) framework, Yakult consumes the solar energy generated on-site without exporting it to the grid. This model suits manufacturing plants that have high daytime energy consumption.

Benefits Realised:

  • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 960 tonnes per year.
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  • Significant savings on energy bills.
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  • Support for corporate sustainability reporting and compliance with green manufacturing standards.

Source: Yakult Malaysia Environmental Initiatives

3. Muda Paper Mills: Industrial Solar Innovation

Muda Paper Mills, part of Muda Holdings Berhad, installed a substantial solar PV system across its paper production facilities. Operating in a highly energy-intensive sector, the company strategically adopted solar to mitigate rising electricity costs and manage operational risks linked to fuel price volatility.

Using the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply (CRESS) model, Muda accesses renewable energy generated off-site, offering flexibility without needing vast rooftop space.

Benefits Realised:

  • Stable, lower-cost electricity supply insulated from market shocks.
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  • Reduction in Scope 2 emissions, supporting ESG targets.
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  • Enhanced competitiveness in the global recycled paper market.

Source: Muda Holdings Annual Report 2022

Malaysia’s Renewable Energy Incentives: Key Enablers

The success of these businesses is supported by several government initiatives:

  • Net Energy Metering (NEM): Encourages self-consumption with the ability to sell excess energy back to the grid.
  • Self-Consumption Solar (SELCO): Allows businesses to generate and use their own electricity without grid export.
  • Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE): Provide tax incentives for investing in green technology.
  • Corporate Renewable Energy Supply (CRESS): Facilitates off-site renewable energy supply arrangements.

These schemes, alongside declining solar technology costs and innovative financing options like Zero Capex models, are making it more accessible than ever for Malaysian businesses to shift towards clean energy.

Solar energy adoption is no longer merely a corporate social responsibility exercise; it is a strategic move towards future-proofing businesses against rising energy costs and regulatory pressures. Companies like Mah Sing, IKEA Malaysia, Yakult, and Muda Paper Mills are setting clear examples: with the right approach, going green can also mean growing stronger financially.

As Malaysia pushes forward with its renewable energy ambitions under the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), early adopters will not just meet sustainability expectations — they will gain a decisive competitive advantage.

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