Bank Islam Upgrades 25 Fishing Boats In Mersing Using Solar PV Technology

MERSING, April 21 (Bernama) -- Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam) is implementing a project to upgrade 25 B40 fishermen's boats in this district through the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce dependence on diesel, while also introducing the use of renewable energy.

Its social finance director, Mohd Zikri Mohd Shairy, said that the volatility of global fuel prices makes fishermen's operating costs unpredictable; therefore, the shift to solar energy can reduce financial risks and stabilise long-term income.

"This initiative also supports environmental sustainability efforts and the reduction of diesel engine noise, which can further increase catch yields while providing savings (diesel costs) of about RM150 per month for them," he said when met by reporters at the Penyabong Jetty here yesterday.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Bank Islam group chief operating officer (GCOO) and group chief sustainability officer (GCSO) Mohamed Iran Moriff Mohd Shariff. Also present was the Johor director of the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Haslin Marlina Hashim.

The project, costing nearly RM150,000, is designed based on the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework, and is implemented by Sadaqa House in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and supported by the Lembaga Tabung Haji.

Mohd Zikri said that besides improving operational efficiency, the project also impacts the reduction of carbon emissions and the use of safe and sustainable energy to support marine conservation.

He said the system allows the process of water removal in the boat to be done automatically, thus facilitating maintenance without the need for fishermen to be frequently present at the jetty.

"For example, previously during the holidays, they had to come and remove the water that entered the boat one or two times a day, but with the solar-powered system, this happens automatically," he said.

The project includes community empowerment, such as improving jetty facilities by constructing roofs, as well as supporting micro-enterprises among fishermen's wives, such as producing salted fish and otak-otak, with a contribution of approximately RM50,000.

"Additionally, the project involves 180 students from UTM, polytechnics, community colleges and industrial training institutes, serving as a platform for knowledge transfer and practical training that indirectly helps in developing human capital," he also said.

He added that the installation cost for each boat is estimated between RM6,000 and RM7,000, including the panel and system, with the use of lithium batteries which are more expensive but have a longer lifespan compared to regular batteries.

The banking institution plans to expand the initiative to Morib, Selangor by the end of this year.

-- BERNAMA