Solar LED lamps to brighten Kuala Kangsar

KUALA LUMPUR - The Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) intends to establish a smart partnership with the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) for the installation of light-emitting diode (LED) solar lamps in several areas in Kuala Kangsar.

Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the pilot project, using KPKT ‘s allocation and MAIPk’s wakaf (endowment) funds, will benefit residents of Kuala Kangsar, especially in areas with poor street lighting.

"Let's say KPKT allocates RM1 million, MAIPk will also provide RM1 million in wakaf fund. We use the fund for the installation of LED solar lights in pitch-dark residential areas in Kuala Kangsar.

"With this RM2 million, we expect to be able to install between 300 to 400 LED solar light bulbs, especially those that use bright solar technology and do not need to pay electricity bills," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.

Nga said the initiative is expected to be carried out before this Aidilfitri celebration and expressed hope to have the event launched by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

"This will be very impactful. Imagine a village lit by only solar lamps. no need to pay electricity bills and it’s green energy,” he added.

He said the proposed pilot project will be the first involving the ministry with a state Islamic religious council and if successful, will be expanded nationwide.

Nga said, the ministry also plans to identify a public market that has the potential to be developed as a 'craft and creative centre' as well as a tourist destination.

The ministry, he said, had approved an allocation of RM24 million for the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam Market, in Penang.

A competition was organised by the Malaysian Architects Association (PAM) to find the best design for the market, he added - BERNAMA