Develop alternative fuels to counter depleting reserves
Datuk Marimuthu NadasonPublished: Sep 21, 2007 7:21 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
I refer to the malaysiakini report Petronas pushing for gas price hike.
Responding to this request by Petronas to reduce the natural gas subsidy, Fomca understands the depletion of the supply and the uncertainty of crude oil prices on the market. However, monopoly on fuel and the absence of alternative fuel in Malaysia burdens the consumers who are left with fossil fuel as their only choice.
In response to this situation, Fomca submitted a memorandum that outlines alternative fuel development aspects. Seven positions were submitted for the consideration of the government.
The first position requests a restudy of national policies that are related to energy in order to develop an integrated policy to overcome problems related to energy (reduction in fossil fuels and absence of an alternative resource).
The second position outlines the importance of the continuous consumer education in improving the understanding of the energy crisis, on alternative sources and on energy efficiency initiatives in for homes and industries.
The third position requests the development of the photovoltaic (PV) system for domestic usage. This will help in reducing dependency on electrical energy generated by fossil fuels. The PV system in Indonesia and Philippines is developed and used continuously.
The fourth position outlines continuous support for the renewable energy sector and to develop short term and long-term plans for it.
The fifth position stresses that alternative fuels should not be monopolised and that preparation of the infrastructure for domestic users to use alternative fuels should be done.
The sixth position wants enforcement control over the energy efficient equipment and alternative fuels markets to protect consumers from being cheated. Quality monitoring and certification as well as enforcement action against retailers and sellers should be carried out.
The seventh and final position is Fomca's request that consumers be given more environmentally friendly choices of fuel sources. It is the social responsibility of the government and the industry to implement this policy which supports continuous energy supply while being environment friendly.
Fomca hopes for the realisation of proper action by the government while monitoring developments to protect consumers in Malaysia.
The writer is president, Fomca.
Responding to this request by Petronas to reduce the natural gas subsidy, Fomca understands the depletion of the supply and the uncertainty of crude oil prices on the market. However, monopoly on fuel and the absence of alternative fuel in Malaysia burdens the consumers who are left with fossil fuel as their only choice.
In response to this situation, Fomca submitted a memorandum that outlines alternative fuel development aspects. Seven positions were submitted for the consideration of the government.
The first position requests a restudy of national policies that are related to energy in order to develop an integrated policy to overcome problems related to energy (reduction in fossil fuels and absence of an alternative resource).
The second position outlines the importance of the continuous consumer education in improving the understanding of the energy crisis, on alternative sources and on energy efficiency initiatives in for homes and industries.
The third position requests the development of the photovoltaic (PV) system for domestic usage. This will help in reducing dependency on electrical energy generated by fossil fuels. The PV system in Indonesia and Philippines is developed and used continuously.
The fourth position outlines continuous support for the renewable energy sector and to develop short term and long-term plans for it.
The fifth position stresses that alternative fuels should not be monopolised and that preparation of the infrastructure for domestic users to use alternative fuels should be done.
The sixth position wants enforcement control over the energy efficient equipment and alternative fuels markets to protect consumers from being cheated. Quality monitoring and certification as well as enforcement action against retailers and sellers should be carried out.
The seventh and final position is Fomca's request that consumers be given more environmentally friendly choices of fuel sources. It is the social responsibility of the government and the industry to implement this policy which supports continuous energy supply while being environment friendly.
Fomca hopes for the realisation of proper action by the government while monitoring developments to protect consumers in Malaysia.
The writer is president, Fomca.
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