Kemaman: An RM1.2 billion, 400-megawatt (MW) solar farm project on waqf land under the Chenderong Concession in Kemaman, Terengganu, is poised to bolster the role of waqf institutions as a catalyst in the nation's green economy while also generating income for the local populace.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM) president Datuk Zulkifli Ali emphasized that the renewable energy initiative illustrates how waqf assets can be professionally, productively, and sustainably developed without compromising their original endowment purpose. The project underlines the commitment of waqf institutions, the corporate sector, and the state government to explore a viable development model that yields long-term returns for all stakeholders.
Datuk Zulkifli stated that this project showcases MAIDAM's dedication as the sole trustee of waqf assets in the state to ensure that the development of these assets, whether movable or immovable, is conducted through impactful projects that provide sustainable, high-value, and syariah-compliant returns and benefits. He highlighted that the solar farm is a tangible example of the waqf concept that not only preserves assets but also expands their benefits for current and future generations.
The signing ceremony for the solar project involved MAIDAM, Anglo-Eastern Plantation (AEP), and reNIKOLA Holdings, witnessed by Terengganu State Secretary Datuk Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. The ceremony included a Tribute Arrangement Agreement between MAIDAM, AEP as the lessee of the Chenderong Concession waqf land, and reNIKOLA as the project developer. Among those present were MAIDAM chief executive officer Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Azrin Adnan, reNIKOLA chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid, and reNIKOLA managing director Boumhidi Abdelali.
The solar farm, to be developed over 2,023.43 hectares of land, is part of a large-scale solar (LSS) project expected to generate approximately 930,800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually.
Meanwhile, Datuk Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham remarked that the project signifies the shared confidence and commitment of waqf institutions, the private sector, and the state government in sustainably developing assets for the benefit of the people and the state. He asserted that the initiative aligns with the state's future development agenda, which focuses on sustainability, economic diversification, and the advancement of high-value sectors, reinforcing Terengganu's standing in the renewable energy sector.
Mohd Azmi noted that the project could create around 4,270 job opportunities for the people of Terengganu, representing a true manifestation of waqf, which preserves assets while extending their benefits to current and future generations. He also urged all involved parties to implement the project prudently, considering environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and good land governance to ensure that economic development delivers lasting benefits for future generations.