Access to electricity is a fundamental prerequisite for socio-economic development as well as human well-being. Nevertheless, the situation in Malaysia illustrates that energy justice is still unfulfilled, especially in rural and remote areas. At present, 142 Orang Asli villages, constituting roughly 17 per cent of the total indigenous population, still lack access to electricity. This is evidently inconsistent with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7, which emphasises universal access to affordable, dependable and clean energy.
The absence or intermittent supply of power in rural areas significantly impacts quality of life. Consistent energy supply is crucial for delivering important services such as education and healthcare. They cannot proceed without stable electricity, resulting in hindered learning processes, underutilisation of educational tools and ineffective health care delivery. Thus, ensuring reliable power access for rural people should be regarded not merely as an infrastructural concern but as a national development need.
From a social justice standpoint, urban-rural disparities in energy availability illustrate a broad spectrum of injustice. Justice is a fundamental principle of Islam that must be upheld in all facets of life, including the allocation of public resources and services. In the contemporary context, electricity is regarded as a fundamental necessity, as it is intrinsically linked to the ability of individuals and communities to live with dignity. Disparities in electricity access hinder developmental opportunities and highlight the neglect of marginalised populations. Therefore, efforts to ensure adequate and sustainable electricity supply to rural communities are consistent with Islamic principles that emphasise social justice and the responsibility of governance to protect public welfare comprehensively.
Renewable energy is a sustainable approach to address the energy justice disparity. It is regarded as energy obtained from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, rainfall, water, biomass and geothermal sources that are naturally replenished. They have been utilised in human societies for centuries for diverse social and agricultural purposes. Malaysia possesses a various range of clean and sustainable renewable energy sources, including hydro, solar, biomass, biogas, wind and wave energy. This abundance provides significant opportunities for inclusive and equitable energy development.
Among these fuels, solar energy presents significant potential for utilisation in rural and isolated regions of Malaysia. Malaysia’s location along the Equator allows it to receive high levels of sunlight throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 27 to 33 degrees Celsius. In this climate, solar energy could serve as an optimal solution for the consistent generation of electricity. Economically, the installation of solar systems is more cost-effective than extending national energy grid to remote areas, which entails substantial financial investments and infrastructural challenges due to limited road access. Consequently, these locally installed small-scale solar systems offer a cost-effective, adaptable and pragmatic alternative.
Solar electricity is not only cost-effective but also offers significant environmental benefits. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, alleviates greenhouse gas emissions and is crucial in the global battle against climate change. Within the framework of the Maqasid Shariah, such outcomes serve to safeguard the public interest, particularly concerning life, intellect and property. Reliable power services enable hospitals and educational institutions to support health standards and sustain the economic foundation of rural areas. Consequently, solar energy should be regarded not merely as a technological answer, but as an essential instrument in achieving the broader objectives of the Shariah which aim to promote the overall welfare of humanity.
The practical impact of solar energy implementation can be observed through the Solar Energy Project in Kampung Dagat, Sabah. This initiative supplies electricity for ice production using solar-powered refrigerator. The ice is used to preserve the catches of the local fishermen, ensuring the catches’ freshness and extending its shelf life prior to market distribution. It has resulted in significant socio-economic advantages, although in a limited scale and with a highly specific focus. This has increased revenue for the fishermen and diminished post-harvest losses. More importantly, the project demonstrates that solar energy provision can begin in a targeted and phased manner before being expanded to household-level electricity supply. The initiative highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between business entities and non-governmental organisations.
In addition to solar energy, other sustainable energy innovations also show considerable promise in improving electricity access in rural areas. One of the examples is the Innovative Pico Hydro Turbine for Remote Areas and Innovative Learning (IRITS), developed by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The small-scale hydro-technology provides a reliable electrical supply to the Orang Asli community in Pos Lemoi, with minimal maintenance requirements. By utilising local natural resources, this technology aligns with research efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and supports the achievement of SDG 7.
Despite these successes, a major challenge in expanding renewable energy initiatives in rural areas lies in financing and commercialisation. Numerous advances in local technologies require ongoing financing to be developed at a scale suitable for implementation and dissemination across a broader segment of society. The government can serve as an essential custodian of development. To optimise resources and guarantee that the advantages of energy development reach the most disadvantaged populations, strategic coordination between public sector entities and non-governmental organisations is essential.
In conclusion, the use of solar energy to supply electricity to rural and remote areas represents a realistic and viable pathway for Malaysia. It addresses energy justice while contributing to social development, environmental protection, and national commitments to SDG 7. With political commitment, sufficient finance and effective coordination with stakeholders, solar energy has the potential to transform the lives of rural communities and ensure that no group is left behind in the nation’s development process.
