PENANG has changed all 33,101 street lamps on the island from high-pressure sodium lights to light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he was happy with the achievement as it was one of the 108 smart initiatives under the Penang 2030 vision.
He added that they are working very hard to do likewise in Seberang Perai, having changed 27,908 out of the 77,359 old lights to LEDs thus far.
Jagdeep said he would now seek incentives from the Local Government Development Ministry for achieving 100% conversion from old lights to LEDs on Penang island which would help reduce the cost of electricity.
“The Federal government bears half the cost of electricity when we use the old lights, but now that we invest in the LEDs and reduce the bill, they should increase the incentive.
“I would present my case to the federal officials when they visit Penang soon. I would ask for 100% support, if not certainly more than 50%.
“They need to incentivise not only Penang but the whole of Malaysia. Since we’ve already achieved our initiative, Penang is a good example. When there is an incentive for us, other states will also follow suit to carry out this smart initiative and save cost,” Jagdeep told reporters at a press conference at Gat Lebuh Macallum today.
Jagdeep commended Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Datuk A. Rajendran and his team for achieving the feat.
He said MBPP and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) have been working together with Tenaga Nasional to replace the old lights with LEDs.
Out of the 33,101 old lights on Penang island, he said MBPP changed 17,542 while TNB changed 15,559 of them to LEDs.
In Seberang Perai, he said out of the 77,359 old lights, 27,908 have been changed to LEDs, leaving a balance of 49,451.
Giving a breakdown, he said MBSP has so far changed 2,827 of 19,619 old lights, while TNB has changed 25,081 of 57,740 old lights.
Jagdeep said various smart initiatives have been completed in Penang, including smart parking and the installation of CCTVs.
He said a total of 36,000 parking lots have been installed with sensors, and so far, 1,300 CCTVs have been installed on the island and mainland. The aim, he said, is to set up a total of 5,000 CCTVs.
Rajendran said the LED streetlights would certainly help brighten up the island.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian