Air-conditioning at all govt offices must be 24°C or higher, says Fadillah

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Energy controls in government buildings will be tightened, including setting air-conditioning temperatures at no lower than 24°C, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, urged civil servants to wear attire better suited to the local climate, such as batik, corporate shirts or baju Melayu, to reduce reliance on excessive cooling.

He said this measure reflect the government's commitment to leading by example in prudent energy use.

"As a proactive response to the global energy crisis, the government will implement several energy-saving measures at the national level," he said at the Global Energy Crisis Briefing, broadcast live by local television stations on Thursday (April 2).

On Monday (April 1), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that a work-from-home policy will be introduced from April 15 for the public sector and government-linked companies.

The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting, aims to cut fuel consumption and ensure the sustainability of the nation's energy supply amid the ongoing global energy crisis.

Fadillah said Malaysia remains in a stable position but is ready to take proactive measures to manage the impact of the global energy crisis, triggered by the Middle East conflict that has disrupted supply and driven up oil prices.

"We are now in a challenging phase of the global economic landscape. The ongoing global energy crisis, following conflict in the Middle East, has had a direct impact on energy supply and prices worldwide," he said.

He noted that disruptions to key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital artery for global oil flows, have heightened market uncertainty and pushed prices higher.

As an open economy, Malaysia is not insulated from the fallout, he said.

"We must remain vigilant and take precautionary measures should the crisis persist," Fadillah said, adding that the government recognises public concern over the crisis, and that its response will be clear, coordinated and focused on key priorities. – Bernama