Fahmi tells telcos: Rethink diesel gensets, embrace renewables for tower operations

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the large-scale use of fossil fuels to keep telecommunication towers operational needed to be gradually reduced. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 5:09 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — The government has called on telecommunications companies to reassess their reliance on diesel generator sets (gensets) to operate some 60,000 telecommunication towers nationwide, particularly in rural areas.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the large-scale use of fossil fuels to keep telecommunication towers operational needed to be gradually reduced by switching to renewable energy sources, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

He said the matter required greater attention given the significant amount of diesel consumed by each tower every month and the large number of towers operating nationwide.

“There are about 60,000 telecommunication towers nationwide. Can you imagine the amount of energy consumed to ensure these 60,000 telecommunication towers remain active and online?

“Therefore, today we have gathered partners whom I regard as strategic partners from various sectors, each of which has an impact on energy consumption. We must collectively look at how a cooperation framework and perhaps incentives can be established to enable them to begin this transition,” he said at the launch of Lestari: Sustainability Framework and Roadmap 2030 (SFR2030) here today.

Fahmi said the development and advancement of the communications industry must go hand in hand with sustainability efforts, including by taking into account the environmental impact of business operations.

In this regard, he said the Lestari strategic framework had been introduced to chart the sustainability direction for the telecommunications, broadcasting, as well as postal and courier sectors towards 2030.

Through the framework, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and industry players aim to sustainably manage 15 million electronic devices by 2030 as part of efforts to help reduce the accumulation of electronic waste in the country.

He said the initiative would also support the circular economy by encouraging the refurbishment and reuse of functional devices, thereby helping to lower the cost of owning smart devices.

The effort was expected to benefit five million people, particularly vulnerable and low-income groups, by expanding access to affordable technology, he added.

The Lestari framework was developed through engagement with 116 participants from 47 organisations and is anchored on three key areas: Climate and Environmental Sustainability; Social Impact and Inclusivity; and Technology and Innovation.

The event also saw the launch of the Net Zero & Circularity Alliance (NZCA), an industry collaboration platform aimed at reducing carbon emissions and expanding e-waste collection in a more organised manner.

Fifteen organisations from various sectors of the digital ecosystem, including CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, Astro, Media Prima and Pos Malaysia, signed a pledge in support of Lestari and the NZCA. — Bernama