ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING FOR SK RANDAGONG

By : OLIVER M

IN LINE with the government's plan to stop the use  of inefficient filamen bulbs in the country by 2014, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has taken the initiative to replace the filamen lamps at SK Randagong, Ranau, a school that SESB has adopted since 2009 as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Speaking at the ceremony to unveil the new lighting system, Managing Director of SESB Ir. Abdul Razak Sallim said, "The use of compact fluorescent lamp can save up to 80% of electricity compared to the filamen lamp."

He added that using  electricity in an efficient way will help to reduce electricity consumption and also reduce the release of green house gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), that have an adverse effect on health and the environment.

He said besides saving electricity, LED lights , are brighter and release minimal heat, thus making the atmosphere more comfortable.

The total cost of changing all 35 lights at the school is RM5,350.

Abdul Razak also advised the students, parents and teachers to be energy efficient  at home. He said if all consumers  are committed to save power we may be able to make a difference in combating global warming.

Managing Director of SESB Ir. Abdul Razak Sallim explaining the benefits of the LED lights to Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun during the unveiling of the energy efficient lighting system.

He disclosed that  during the 2009 Earth Hour, SESB recorded a reduction in load demand by up to 50 MW as many people made an effort to participate and switched off their lights for one hour.

Speaking at the same function Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun said what is of equal importance is the awareness gained from SESB's new lighting installation, that there is a way to save power that is good for the family budget and good for the environment.

Masidi also announced that he will allocate RM50,000 to SK Randagong for the purpose of building a school hall to enable the 100 students of the school to have a bigger and more comfortable hall in which to assemble and conduct other school activities.

During the same function SESB also handed RM1,000 contribution to the school. (Insight Sabah)