Almost 92% of the world’s population now has basic access to electricity , according to the World Bank. This milestone reflects an improvement since 2022, when the number of people without basic access decrease for the first time in a decade. Yet, more than 666 million people remain in the dark, the vast majority living in rural communities.
Fortunately, new technologies like mini-grids and off-grid solar solutions have become increasingly feasible for serving dispersed populations in remote areas. But electrification today goes beyond turning on the lights. It’s also critical to ensure that energy is used productively and sustainably, while closing opportunity gaps in the urban-rural divide.
In Malaysia, this transition is well underway as rural electrification efforts evolve to tackle the full spectrum of challenges, ensuring no one is left behind. The next frontier lies at the very edges of the nation – where the promise of clean, reliable energy serves as a foundation for climate resilience, sustainable growth, and shared prosperity.
Shifting from connection to transformation
Rural electrification stands as a pivotal pillar for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Rural electrification stands as a pivotal pillar for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At its core, it is instrumental for realising the seventh SDG – affordable and clean energy – which envisions universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.
Nonetheless, the influence of energy transcends this single objective, permeating into almost all aspects of sustainable socio-economic development. This ranges from facilitating the mechanisation of agriculture for improved food security (SDG2) to powering water purification and sanitation systems for improved water quality (SDG6).
This is precisely why rural electrification strategies must be designed and implemented with a holistic approach, considering the unique contexts and needs of rural communities. In this regard, collaboration among governments, the private sector, international organisations and civil society is pivotal for building an inclusive energy future for all.
Malaysia’s policy direction reflects this spirit of collaboration. During a recent working visit to the United Kingdom (UK), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) met with Steve Reed, the UK’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss bilateral cooperation in several critical areas including rural transformation.
Dr. Zahid underscored the need for comprehensive approaches to address climate change. He also highlighted how regional initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid can enhance energy security and stability for remote border communities, signaling that Malaysia’s rural electrification journey can lead a wider effort to build climate resilience across the region.
How TNB is delivering rural energy access
Malaysia’s national utility, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), has long been a supporter and enabler of rural electrification across the nation. Aligned with the government’s agenda, TNB launched the Rural Electrification Programme with the goal of bringing sustainable, reliable electricity to every corner of Malaysia.
To this end, TNB has invested heavily in expanding the national grid infrastructure, including the construction of new distribution lines to reach even the most isolated communities. For instance, its Village Street Lights project involves the supply and installation of over 14,000 LED lights on existing electrical poles in villages across Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah.
Further, satellite mapping and drones are also used to survey Malaysia’s dense forests, mountains, or remote islands to efficiently plan infrastructure deployments. In areas where connecting to the national grid is not feasible, the programme has turned to off-grid solutions like solar power systems and micro-hydro to overcome both cost and geographical barriers.
Moreover, TNB has adopted hybrid solutions that integrate renewable energy sources with existing conventional sources and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This provides a more reliable and consistent power supply, especially for areas with fluctuating sunlight or seasonal water availability.
Turning electrification into empowerment
Beyond infrastructure installation, TNB recognises the importance of engaging with local communities in the electrification process. Without local capacity for maintenance and repair, systems can become non-functional quickly. Which is why the programme is focused on capacity-building within local communities to ensure long-term success.
Training initiatives and partnerships with local technicians ensure that infrastructure remains functional, and that local people have the skills necessary to troubleshoot and repair basic issues. This also helps to create a sense of ownership among residents, turning electrification projects into catalysts for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
As a result, the impact of TNB’s Rural Electrification Programme has been truly profound and far-reaching. The provision of electricity has not only improved quality of life for rural communities, but also empowered them to participate more in terms of economy and access critical services that were previously out of reach.
For children, access to electricity is especially transformative, as it enables them to study after dark, access online learning resources, and enjoy improved healthcare. Meanwhile, it has also enabled the growth of SMEs like retail shops, small manufacturing units, agricultural processing plants, as well as rural homestays and eco-tourism ventures.
Going forward, the emergence of rural electrification projects led by non-state stakeholders like universities, private enterprises, non-profits, and even communities themselves promise to deepen community ownership, foster bottom-up innovation such as setting up local training programs, and ensure that rural voices shape the future of Malaysia’s energy transition.
Empowered communities power sustainable progress
Rural electrification isn’t just an infrastructure project but a nation-building mission to strengthen Malaysia’s foundations of inclusive growth and climate-resilience. The Rural Electrification Programme underscores an important truth: when you power people, you power possibility.
Equipping local communities with clean, reliable energy as well as the skills to use it productively, empowers them with new opportunities for learning, livelihoods, and lasting resilience. As Malaysia looks to the future, rewiring rural regions may be the most important connection of all – for society, sustainability and shared prosperity.