Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is strengthening energy literacy among rural communities through the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP), supporting efforts to advance the national energy transition agenda.
The effort was demonstrated through the ‘MELP Bersama Komuniti Mukim Cheka 1’ programme in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, which brought together about 600 residents from nine villages.
The half-day programme focused on energy management, efficient electricity consumption and electrical safety, while also providing an avenue for two-way engagement between TNB and the local community.
About 100 primary school pupils took part in a sustainable energy-themed colouring contest, alongside knowledge-sharing and interactive sessions held for the community.
Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Mohamad, who is also MELP National Steering Committee chairman, said energy literacy was an important foundation in helping the public make informed energy choices and contribute to the national energy transition.
“Energy transition cannot rely solely on policies, technology and investments. Programmes such as MELP need to reach communities at the grassroots level, including rural communities, so that they understand the changes in the energy landscape and are aware of how they can play their part,” he said.
Reflecting that focus, the Mukim Cheka 1 programme covered three key areas — understanding electricity bills and the myTNB application, energy savings and efficiency, and electrical safety.
The approach is intended to make energy-related information more practical and relevant to everyday life, enabling communities to make informed decisions on electricity consumption.
TNB Chief Regulatory and Stakeholder Management Officer Shahannom Izham said the company’s role extended beyond ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply to helping communities understand how electricity could be used safely, efficiently and responsibly.
She said MELP also provided an avenue for TNB to listen to community views and better understand their needs.
The programme also formed part of MELP’s wider efforts to translate its strategic thrusts of education and behavioural change, communication and outreach, and an empowered society into grassroots initiatives.
As part of the programme, TNB contributed RM75,000 in corporate social responsibility assistance to schools, mosques and surau, as well as welfare organisations in Mukim Cheka 1.
Introduced by TNB in 2020, MELP was subsequently recognised as a national agenda and officially launched on March 1, 2023. The programme aims to improve public understanding of energy and help Malaysians make more informed energy decisions.
MELP also supports the implementation of the national energy transition agenda under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
As its strategic partner, TNB conducted 50 MELP programmes, 20 strategic collaborations and six international-level presentations in 2025.
