The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024, which came into force on January 1, 2025, marks a transformative shift in how buildings in Malaysia manage power.
Compliance is determined by the size and usage of the facility. Currently, the first phase of enforcement focuses on Purpose-Built Offices.
Gross Floor Area (GFA) Threshold: Any office building with a GFA exceeding 8,000 square meters (approximately 86,111 square feet) must comply.
Energy Consumption Threshold: For industrial and other commercial facilities, the threshold is generally set at 21,600 Gigajoules (GJ) of energy consumption per year (equivalent to roughly RM 2.4 million in annual electricity bills).
The BEI is the primary unit of measurement for building efficiency.
BEI Star Rating Label: Affected buildings are required to display an official Energy Intensity Label in a conspicuous location, such as the main lobby.
Minimum Performance: The current target is to maintain at least a 2-Star Rating.
Annual Renewal: The rating is not permanent; it must be renewed and verified annually based on the previous 12 months of energy data.
Under the EECA 2024, "Designated Persons" or "Persons in Charge of a Building" must fulfill several legal duties:
Appoint a Registered Energy Manager (REM): You must appoint a qualified REM (Type 1 or Type 2) to monitor the Energy Management System (EnMS) and prepare mandatory reports.
Submit Annual Reports: Annual energy efficiency and conservation reports must be submitted to the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga) in the prescribed format.
Periodic Energy Audits: A comprehensive energy audit must be conducted by a Registered Energy Auditor (REA), typically once every five years.
Improvement Plans: If the building fails to meet efficiency targets, the owner must implement an Energy Efficiency Improvement Plan to reach the minimum 2-star standard.
The EECA 2024 reinforces the standards set in MS 1525: Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency for Non-Residential Buildings. To achieve a high BEI star rating, HVAC and AHU designs must prioritize:
Specific Fan Power (SFP): Keeping fan power below 1.6 kW per cubic meter per second through the use of EC Plug Fans and direct-drive technology.
Thermal Envelope (TB2/L1): Utilizing high-performance AHU casings with TB2 thermal breaks and L1 leakage classes to prevent energy migration.
Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV): Integrating VFDs and CO2 sensors to modulate cooling based on real-time occupancy.
The Energy Commission is empowered to enforce the Act with strict penalties for violations, including failure to display labels or failure to submit required audits.
Fines: Ranging from RM 20,000 to RM 100,000.
Imprisonment: Serious violations can result in imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Reputational Impact: A low star rating (1-Star) is public information and may affect property value and the ability to attract multinational tenants with strict ESG mandates.
At EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD, we don't just help you measure your energy; we help you lower it.
Technical Integrity: We provide AHU Energy Audits that identify exactly where your system is wasting power.
3D BIM Coordination: Our specialized installations ensure "clash-free," aerodynamically optimized ductwork that reduces static pressure and lowers BEI.
BOMBA-Compliant Safety: All our energy-saving retrofits—from PU insulation to motors—meet international fire safety standards.
Is your facility ready for the mandatory EECA 2024 energy audit? Contact EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD today for a technical assessment and a proposal to transform your building into a high-performance, compliant asset.
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