“Hektar REIT teams up with Samaiden for a zero-capex solar project across five malls, aiming for RM41.3 million in savings and a 98,640-tonne cut in carbon emissions.“
Kuala Lumpur, 07th May 2025, 02.40pm – After more than a decade of planning, Malaysia’s long-anticipated Urban Renewal Bill (URA) is set to be tabled in Parliament this July, with the goal of revitalizing ageing neighbourhoods, increasing access to affordable housing, and upgrading public infrastructure.
In a landmark move to boost sustainability and reduce operational costs, Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar REIT) has entered into a solar energy partnership with Samaiden Group Bhd, paving the way for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across five of its shopping malls.
Under the zero-capex model, the initiative will require no upfront capital from Hektar REIT. Instead, Samaiden will design, install, and operate the solar systems, allowing the retail-focused REIT to reap long-term benefits without immediate financial outlay.
The 20-year partnership is projected to yield approximately RM41.3 million in energy cost savings and cut carbon emissions by 98,640 tonnes—the equivalent of removing thousands of cars from Malaysia’s roads.
“This partnership with Samaiden is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy,” said Zainal Iskandar Ismail, CEO of Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd.
“It marks a significant leap in our clean energy journey, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint by up to 15% in annual electricity consumption.”
The solar PV systems will be rolled out across Hektar REIT’s flagship malls, including Subang Parade, Mahkota Parade, Wetex Parade, Central Square, and Kulim Central. The initiative complements the REIT’s broader ESG (environmental, social and governance) objectives and supports Malaysia’s national climate targets.
Zainal also noted that Hektar REIT’s recent acquisition, Kolej Yayasan Saad in Melaka, has already implemented an on-site solar solution—indicating that future acquisitions will follow a similar clean energy blueprint.
“We are proud to collaborate with Hektar REIT on this milestone project,” said Datuk Chow Pui Hee, Managing Director of Samaiden.
“Our zero-capex solar model eliminates financial barriers, empowering more organisations to embrace renewable energy without sacrificing business capital.”
Powering Malaysia’s Clean Energy Transitio
Founded in 2013, Samaiden is one of Malaysia’s leading renewable energy engineering firms, specialising in solar PV system design, procurement, construction, and maintenance. The group also provides environmental consulting services as part of its mission to drive the clean energy transition nationwide.
Hektar REIT, the first retail-focused real estate investment trust listed on Bursa Malaysia, owns a diversified portfolio of retail malls and an education asset spanning four Malaysian states. The REIT has been accelerating its ESG adoption to align with investor expectations and global sustainability benchmarks.
