A senator calls for green financing incentives for MSMEs to boost Malaysia’s decarbonisation, highlighting solar energy success in Johor
KUALA LUMPUR: A senator has urged the government to provide green financing incentives to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to promote the nation’s transition towards decarbonisation.
Senator Datuk Ng Keng Heng said that without a suitable payment mechanism and an easily accessible micro-credit guarantee scheme, the green agenda would become exclusive rather than inclusive.
“The energy transition and net-zero carbon agenda is not just about meeting climate goals, but I believe it is an economic opportunity that our country should seize through local entrepreneurs,” he said during the Dewan Negara debate on the Supply Bill 2026.
He urged the government to consider expanding incentives for rooftop solar installations, payment schemes for energy storage, and targeted subsidies for small industries wanting to participate in decarbonisation.
Ng highlighted that several small business owners in Johor had participated in solar incentives through the net offset virtual aggregation scheme under the net energy metering programme with state government support.
The Johor state government also held a sustainability awareness programme in Batu Pahat via the Johor Sustainability Centre to encourage small factories and commercial businesses to switch to solar energy.
“Small industries in Johor, such as factories in Batu Pahat and Pasir Gudang, have benefited from solar incentives as there is strong support from the state government,” he said.
He added that solar leasing companies eligible for tax exemptions would make solar installations more affordable for small industries.
Ng concluded that this synergy among stakeholders is a beneficial approach that should be refined, improved, and adapted for small industries nationwide. – Bernama
