Malaysia urges telcos to replace diesel at 60,000 towers with renewable power

During the unveiling of the LESTARI Sustainability Framework and Roadmap 2030 in Kuala Lumpur, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil asked Malaysia’s telecom providers to reduce reliance on diesel generators that power an estimated 60,000 towers nationwide, focusing on rural sites. He tied the shift to the National Energy Transition Roadmap, noting the substantial diesel each tower consumes each month and calling for a coordinated incentive scheme.

The LESTARI plan, shaped by 116 participants from 47 organisations, outlines goals across climate and environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and technology innovation. Under the framework, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and industry players aim to sustainably manage 15 million electronic devices by 2030, curb e-waste, and encourage refurbishment and reuse to lower consumer costs. Fifteen companies—including CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, Astro, Media Prima and Pos Malaysia—joined the Net Zero & Circularity Alliance to support carbon-reduction and organized e-waste collection. The program is projected to benefit five million Malaysians, particularly low-income groups, by expanding access to affordable technology.