SOLAR PROJECT BRINGS NEW HOPE TO REMOTE SKA TUNJUK LAUT

KOTA TINGGI, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The journey to Sekolah Kebangsaan Agama (SKA) Tunjuk Laut here is truly a test of time and patience.

Travelling from Johor Bahru to Felda Tenggaroh 2 takes almost two hours, before continuing the journey in a four-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicle for another 40 minutes along potholed and muddy tracks, as the main road that should have been used was flooded.

Despite the challenges, a ray of hope now shines at SKA Tunjuk Laut through the ‘The Future Powered Project’ Solar Project, a collaboration between Yayasan JCorp and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), which was officiated by Kota Tinggi District Officer Miswan Yunus, accompanied by Yayasan JCorp general manager Wan Su Ali.

In line with JCorp’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the solar energy project marks a historic milestone in efforts to strengthen rural education and energy sustainability in the state.

SKA Tunjuk Laut is among rural schools that operate entirely without access to the national electricity grid and previously relied solely on diesel generators, which were frequently disrupted.

The complete solar photovoltaic system, equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, now supplies clean energy and enables real-time monitoring of system performance and health, thereby improving comfort and the effectiveness of teaching and learning at the school.

Yayasan JCorp chief executive officer Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman said the project provides stability for a school that has long operated under challenging conditions.

“This solar initiative complements our other programmes and is part of our mission to protect ecosystems while advancing communities. When strategic partners join forces, we can create life-changing impact.

“We are grateful to all parties who supported this effort, especially Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor, which contributed not only necessities but also joy to the students,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, UTM deputy director of the Centre for Campus Sustainability, Assoc Prof Dr Shamsul Sarip, said the installation of the 5.5 kilowatt-peak solar system involving nine panels can prevent nearly six tonnes of carbon emissions annually and reduce electricity costs by between 30 and 60 per cent.

He said UTM, as the lead for design, installation and training, together with Yayasan JCorp and ICP Piles, also provided training to teachers and the local community on basic solar system maintenance to ensure the project’s sustainability.

“Through the collaboration between UTM and Yayasan JCorp, this system brings significant benefits to the school community. We also conducted briefing sessions and training on the importance of renewable energy and electricity storage to ensure the system is used effectively and sustainably.

“This strategic collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy,” he said.

In addition, UTM plans to continue the project through STEM activities, green energy education, biodiversity conservation and periodic system maintenance.

SKA Tunjuk Laut headmaster Zairullizam Ikhwan, 49, described the solar contribution as a gift to the school community, especially students who had long faced electricity shortages.

“Previously, the school relied entirely on generators. Electricity supply was limited, fans ran slowly and students felt the heat. With this solar system, four classrooms on the lower level now receive clean energy, creating a more comfortable environment and smoother learning process,” he said.

He added that currently four classrooms are supplied by solar power, while the upper section of the building still uses generators, but the school remains grateful and hopes the facility can be expanded to cover the entire school for the comfort of all students.

-- BERNAMA