Malakoff Marks 50 Years Of Powering Malaysia’s Energy Security And Transition
By K.Naveen Prabu
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- From its first steps in Malaysia’s power industry to becoming the country’s largest Independent Power Producer (IPP), Malakoff Corporation Bhd is entering its 50th year in 2025 as both a backbone of energy security and a key player in the shift towards renewable energy.
Today, the company is undergoing a pivotal shift to reposition itself as an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-centric organisation, with a renewed focus on clean and renewable energy as well as sustainable environmental solutions. This transformation highlights Malakoff’s commitment to shaping a greener future while honouring five decades of progress and impact.
This milestone comes as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) charts Malaysia’s path to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, compelling Malakoff and the wider power sector to balance energy security with the urgent push for decarbonisation.
A Dual Transition: Decarbonisation and Clean Energy Growth
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Mohd Kopli Yunus, senior vice-president of Malakoff’s local generation division, said that the future of Malaysia’s energy sector lies in a dual transition.
According to him, one part involves upgrading existing plants to be cleaner and more flexible, while the other focuses on accelerating investments in renewable and innovative technologies.
“Traditional power plants won’t vanish but will evolve into cleaner and more adaptable facilities. Coal-fired plants will be modified or retrofitted to reduce emissions, while gas will primarily serve as a backup and balancing source as renewable energy continues to grow.
“Hopefully, the government will be able to develop a mechanism to support this initiative, particularly in transforming traditional coal-fired power plants into greener energy sources,” he said.
Mohd Kopli explained that coal plants could be retrofitted with carbon-reducing technologies such as biomass cofiring and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), while gas-fired plants may continue to play a role in ensuring grid stability by evolving into peaking units or eventually integrating hydrogen.
“Energy generation will shift from centralised to decentralised systems, with large coal and gas plants gradually giving way to a more distributed and flexible grid driven by solar farms, rooftop photovoltaic (PV), small hydro, biomass, battery storage and microgrids,” he added.
Navigating Challenges of the Transition
Mohd Kopli cautioned that while the NETR charts an ambitious path forward, the pace of transition must be carefully managed.
“As Malaysia gradually reduces its reliance on thermal power plants, we must carefully assess the implications of this shift.
“Thermal plants currently provide stable baseload power, and phasing them out too quickly without adequate storage or firm renewable capacity could risk grid instability or supply gaps,” he said.
He emphasised that the transition must be realistic, inclusive and technology-driven to ensure the “energy trilemma” of balancing sustainability, affordability and security is properly addressed.
A Career Shaped by Energy
Reflecting on his three decades with Malakoff, Mohd Kopli recalled a defining career moment in 2004, when the company secured and delivered the operations and maintenance service contract for Petronas’ Centralised Utility Facilities.
“Solid teamwork was key to the success of that project, and it inspired me throughout my career,” he said.
He noted that his journey mirrors Malakoff’s transformation from a builder of large-scale baseload plants to a company now reshaping itself for a low-carbon future and aligning with the purpose of Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities.
Looking Beyond Borders
Mohd Kopli also believes Malakoff’s expertise can extend beyond Malaysia, tapping into regional and global opportunities.
“Malakoff’s strengths in power plant operations, environmental services and desalination can be exported to developing markets in ASEAN, South Asia and the Middle East, where energy demand is rising.
“With the right partnerships and financing, this can position Malakoff as a regional energy solutions provider,” he said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Turning to young Malaysians entering the energy industry, Mohd Kopli offered a message of encouragement.
“The lights of tomorrow will be powered not just by technology, but by your purpose, vision and courage. Step in, lead, and build the future you want to live in,” he said.
As Malakoff commemorates its 50th anniversary, the company entrusts the next generation of engineers and energy professionals to uphold its legacy of innovation, resilience, and sustainability in shaping the future of the energy industry.
-- BERNAMA