The Needs of Solar Energy Technology from the Perspective of Aboriginal People in Tasik Chini

Energy is vital to humankind. Limited access to modern electricity is a common problem for remote areas. Orang Asli – the aboriginals – are the major populations who live in the remote areas in Malaysia. This chapter investigates the contribution of electricity cost using conventional supply to their monthly income. Apart from that, solar energy is introduced as the alternative power source which eventually could reduce the burden on their daily expenses. There are five villages in the Tasik Chini. The research methodologies involved fieldwork activities and also literature surveys to study the profile, socio-economy conditions of the villages, the needs of electricity and the willingness to learn the solar energy. Results showed that all the villagers acknowledge the needs of electricity in order to have a better quality of life. The application of solar energy is highly appreciated because of its ability to provide electricity without compromising the natural environment. However, community that has been provided with grid-connected electricity has less interest to learn about the solar energy compared to community that has limited access to electricity. With 55% of monthly household income to buy the gasoline, 16.74% of the community has rated that solar energy technology is much needed, and hence they are willing to learn on how to operate, and the maintenance of technology.