Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has four additional cargoes of liquefied natural gas are being imported to maintain normal power supply during Ramadan.
While speaking to journalists at Kakrail Circuit House Mosque on Sunday afternoon, he also called for increasing awareness about moderate and economical use of electricity to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the summer and irrigation seasons and the holy month of Ramadan.
The adviser expressed hope that if people are aware and do not use electricity unnecessarily, there will be no load shedding during Ramadan.
He requested that the AC temperature not be lowered below 25°C, saying otherwise it will consume a lot of electricity and may lead to load shedding.
Fouzul also urged people to ensure that additional lighting and unnecessary fan lights are not used in mosques, houses, shops, shopping malls, petrol pumps and CNG refuelling stations.
"There is an energy crisis in the country... gas is running out. We have to import energy to meet the demand, resulting in the expenditure of a huge amount of foreign exchange."
Noting that the demand for electricity for irrigation and the Ramadan season is increasing significantly this year, Fouzul said: "In winter, our demand is 9,000-10,000 megawatts, but in summer, due to the increase in temperature, it increases to 17,000-18,000 megawatts."
He added that irrigation requires 2,000 megawatts of electricity and that it is not possible to stop irrigation, as doing so would disrupt production. "The remaining 5,000-6,000 are needed for air-conditioning and additional lighting."
Requesting that the AC temperature be set at 25°, he said that it is a very comfortable temperature. "There is no shortage of electricity in Malaysia, yet they have set the AC temperature at 25°C."
Responding to a question from reporters whether any action would be taken against illegal and stolen electricity connections, he said: "Like gas, action is being taken against illegal electricity connections."