Malaysia Sets 24°C Air-Conditioning Minimum In Government Offices To Improve Energy Efficiency

Malaysia has introduced a minimum air‑conditioning temperature of 24°C for all government offices, a move intended to reduce electricity consumption and strengthen national energy efficiency practices. Experts say the measure addresses the widespread problem of excessive cooling in buildings, which increases power demand without significantly improving comfort. According to details reported by Bernama, the directive took effect immediately and is part of wider efforts to encourage more responsible energy management across the public sector.

The policy has been welcomed by engineering and consumer groups, who say the temperature setting aligns with international indoor comfort standards and supports broader sustainability goals. It also reflects the government’s intention to lead by example in improving energy management in public buildings.

Balancing Comfort And Energy Consumption

Prof Ir Dr Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the directive targets the issue of “overcooling”, which is common in many large office environments. Such practices often raise electricity consumption without delivering meaningful improvements in thermal comfort.

“Technically, every one-degree Celsius increase can save about seven per cent of cooling energy. Raising the temperature from 22°C to 24°C could result in about 14 per cent savings in air-conditioning energy, translating to a seven to eight per cent reduction in overall electricity consumption for buildings,” — Prof Ir Dr Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia

He noted that 24°C sits within the commonly recommended indoor comfort range of 23°C to 26°C. Comparable guidelines exist in several countries, including Japan, Singapore and India, which apply similar or higher temperature settings in workplaces.

In Malaysia’s tropical climate, the setting is considered a practical compromise between comfort and efficiency. It also aligns with broader efforts to support reliable and sustainable energy systems that underpin economic activity, including initiatives highlighted in Malaysia’s efforts to ensure reliable energy for smart manufacturing in Selangor.

Part Of A Longer-Term Energy Efficiency Framework

Mohd Zainal said the directive should not be viewed solely as a response to current energy cost pressures. Instead, it forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen energy governance and efficiency.

Malaysia’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 (EECA 2024) establishes a more structured framework for energy management. The legislation introduces requirements covering energy audits, building energy intensity benchmarks, the appointment of energy managers and the development of efficiency improvement plans.

“Although prompted by current energy challenges, this policy represents a shift towards a new normal in managing energy use in public sector buildings,” — Prof Ir Dr Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir, Universiti Putra Malaysia

He added that the main challenge will not necessarily be the policy itself, but monitoring compliance and addressing behavioural issues among building users. In particular, he highlighted the persistent “not my money” mindset, where individuals are less concerned about energy costs because they are borne by institutions rather than directly by users.

Potential Wider Impact Beyond Government Buildings

Consumer groups have also expressed support for the directive. Azlin Othman, deputy president of Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia (PMPM), said the recommended temperature range is consistent with engineering guidance for maintaining comfort while improving efficiency.

“In Malaysia’s tropical climate, 24°C remains comfortable for most workers and does not affect productivity if applied consistently. This measure can have an immediate impact, as air-conditioning accounts for a significant portion of electricity consumption in large buildings such as government offices,” — Azlin Othman, Deputy President, Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia

Beyond lowering public-sector utility costs, Azlin said the policy also sends a broader signal to consumers and industry about the importance of responsible energy use. She suggested that the impact could be greater if the private sector adopts similar practices.

The directive follows earlier remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof that energy consumption controls in government buildings would be tightened, including setting a minimum temperature for air-conditioning systems. The initiative reflects a wider policy direction in which government institutions demonstrate practical measures that support national sustainability and efficient resource use, alongside other governance efforts shaping Malaysia’s digital and infrastructure landscape, such as regional leadership in cross-border cloud governance.