# Orang Asli village near KL still struggles with electricity

> Orang Asli village near KL still struggles with electricity despite solar projects.
- Title: Orang Asli village near KL still struggles with electricity
- Summary: Orang Asli village near KL still struggles with electricity despite solar projects. Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Relang, a Temuan village with 50 residents…
- Keywords: orang asli, kampung sungai relang, solar projects, electricity access, malaysia, temuan, klang valley, sols foundation, renewable energy, electricity tier, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/02/orang-asli-village-near-kl-still-struggles-with-electricity-despite-solar-projects/241663
- Published: 2026-11-02T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: orang asli, kampung sungai relang, solar projects, electricity access, malaysia, temuan, klang valley, sols foundation, renewable energy, electricity tier, news, world
## Electricity struggles in Orang Asli village
Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Relang near KL still lacks reliable electricity despite solar projects and government efforts.
## Village residents use candles for light
Residents like Yati Yusof, 25, use candles for light after solar lamps broke, with no refrigerators or internet.
## Solar projects fall into disuse
Hydro-solar microgrid from 2012 and off-grid solar panels installed in 2018 are now abandoned.
## Tier 1 electricity access
Villagers currently have Tier 1 electricity access, enough for four hours of use, far below Tier 5 city standards.
## Maintenance challenges
Villagers lack training to maintain solar systems, leading to frequent breakdowns after installation.
## NGO training efforts
SOLS Foundation provides training for villagers to manage solar systems, but resources are limited.
## Community operator needed
Experts say a village committee and trained community operator are needed to maintain solar systems long-term.
## Electricity access gap
Kampung Sg Relang has 50 residents and 12 households, yet lacks electricity despite being near KL-Karak Highway.
## Tier 5 electricity standard
Tier 5 electricity access means at least 23 hours of power per day, a standard city residents enjoy.
## Funding for repairs
UPEN plans to fund an energy project after assessing village needs, but no repairs have been made yet.
## Village food challenges
Residents rely on cassava leaves for food when money is scarce, as refrigerators are unavailable.
## Solar system lifespan
SOLS Foundation’s solar system is expected to last five years with proper care, but maintenance is a challenge.
## Electricity for daily life
Villagers need reliable electricity for refrigeration, cooking, and education, but it remains scarce.
## Community involvement needed
Experts stress involving Orang Asli communities in energy projects from the start for long-term success.
## Electricity access in Malaysia
Malaysia has 99.7% household electricity access, but rural areas like this village remain behind.
## What happens next
SOLS Foundation will continue site visits every two or three months until systems are maintained by villagers.
## Key takeaway

Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Relang, a Temuan village with 50 residents, still lacks reliable electricity despite solar projects and government efforts.