Kuala Lumpur: Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC), a subsidiary of the Terengganu state government, is set to further its renewable energy (RE) business by focusing on the installation and maintenance of solar farms and rooftop solar projects.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, EPIC, established on January 17, 1981, operates as an integrated oil and gas service provider under the Terengganu Inc Group. Its primary operations include providing base services for the offshore oil and gas industry, port management, marine services, engineering services, and maintenance.
Group CEO Muhtar Suhaili announced that EPIC, through its subsidiaries EPIC Solar Sdn Bhd (ESSB) and Eastern Pacific Properties Sdn Bhd (EPPSB), plans to enhance its renewable energy projects. This includes potential collaborations on large-scale floating solar farm projects with TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco) and Terengganu Inc (TI) at Kenyir Lake.
Muhtar expressed that discussions with relevant parties are underway to position EPIC as a contractor for solar-related projects, ensuring that these ventures provide beneficial returns to sustain the company’s revenue and profits. He noted the positive industry response to EPIC’s ongoing solar projects.
EPIC is a pioneer in large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar farms in Malaysia’s East Coast region, with its subsidiary ESSB leading the charge. The company has developed a 28-hectare solar power plant in Kemaman, Terengganu, operational since April 2018, generating 18.5 megawatts (MW) of energy supplied to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) through the national grid.
In 2024, EPIC activated its subsidiary EPPSB to focus on smaller-scale solar projects, such as solar street lights and solar-powered buggies. Muhtar highlighted the development of the EPIC Solar Car (ESCAR), a solar-powered buggy, in collaboration with TATI University College (UC TATI). Discussions with golf clubs are ongoing to adopt ESCAR as an eco-friendly solution.
EPIC is working with Malaysia’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) and the Energy Commission (ST) to become a registered solar PV service provider and investor. The company aims to secure RM2.8 million for its CSR sustainability program, emphasizing environmental sustainability, social impact, and governance.
Muhtar underscored EPIC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), noting the company’s RM2.3 million CSR expenditure last year, with an increase projected this year. EPIC also adheres to the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) and is developing policies on transparency, anti-corruption, and integrity.
Additional sustainability initiatives include participation in the PETRONAS Supplier Support Programme (PSSP) and the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. EPIC also aims to obtain green port certification for Kemaman Port by 2035 and is involved in the Green Ship Recycling Facility (GSRF) and Decommissioning Remediation Facility (DRF) at Kemaman Port, aligning with international conventions.
These efforts highlight EPIC’s dedication to sustainability and resilience across its various business ventures.