A remote Orang Asli community in Kampung Sat, Sungkai, Perak, now has access to a more dependable source of electricity after GoRental Global completed its first Malaysian #PowerToEmpower community project.
The initiative saw GoRental install an off-grid solar and battery energy system for around 10 Semai households, supporting approximately 100 residents.
The setup includes 10 portable battery energy storage systems and solar panels, allowing electricity generated during the day to be stored and used after sunset. Participating families also received solar lights and other basic amenities.
The system is projected to generate around 43,800kWh of renewable energy and prevent approximately 120 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 10 years, while reducing reliance on kerosene and diesel.
For communities located far from conventional electricity infrastructure, the decentralised system offers a practical alternative for everyday needs such as lighting and charging mobile phones.
“Reliable electricity can sound like a small thing until you think about what happens without it,” said Colin Peh, Founder and Managing Director of GoRental Global. “Whether a family can keep the lights on after dark, charge a phone or give a child more time to study.”
The Kampung Sat project was developed with community partner Pastor Kenneth Toon of New Life Restoration Centre and his wife, Ann Toon, who helped connect GoRental with the village and identify the community’s needs.
Rather than simply delivering equipment, the project was developed through conversations with residents to better understand how dependable electricity could support their daily lives.
Kampung Sat is GoRental’s second #PowerToEmpower deployment, following an earlier project in Huay Nam Rin Village in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where 31 battery systems and 60 solar panels were installed.
GoRental plans to expand the initiative to other communities across Malaysia, including Sarawak, as part of its wider effort to bring cleaner and more accessible energy to underserved areas.