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SOLS Foundation and Google are working to install solar energy systems across 11 households in Kampung Sungai Relang, an Orang Asli community in Hulu Gombak
The deployment team completes electrical wiring at a participating household. SOLS Foundation provided the technical expertise for the installation, while volunteers from Google supported the team throughout the hands-on deployment.
Image via SOLS Foundation (Provided to SAYS)The community had been living without stable electricity after its previous micro-grid broke down, leaving residents dependent on generators and low-capacity personal solar panels.
Completed in July 2026, the deployment now provides more reliable energy access to 46 residents. It formed part of a wider SOLS Foundation initiative that reached 41 households and 140 residents across Kampung Sungai Relang and Kampung Air Kuning in Selangor.
"Responsible energy growth is a key aspect of Google's long-term digital infrastructure commitment to Malaysia," said Arina Dafir, Community and Workforce Development Manager, Asia Pacific, Google
"This includes investing in new clean energy generation and supporting off-grid households. Access to technology begins with access to electricity. To help more people in Selangor thrive in a digital age, we must first address their daily needs — restoring the power that lights up a child's study space, keeps homes safe at night, and serves as a foundation for future opportunities," Arina continued.
"By working alongside the SOLS Foundation and local residents, wer'e helping to bring reliable solar energy into their homes. Through such initiatives, our goal is to directly improve the lives of families in the communities where we operate," she added.
SOLS Foundation team members install a solar panel at one of the 11 participating households in Kampung Sungai Relang.
Image via SOLS Foundation (Provided to SAYS)Meanwhile, Fakhrul Azmi, Community Energy and Operations Coordinator at SOLS Foundation, explained how programmes like this make an immediate difference for families
"Reliable electricity means children can study after dark, households can reduce their dependence on generators, and residents can spend more time on productive activities. The value goes beyond installing solar equipment. It gives the community a dependable source of energy that can support their daily needs for years to come," said Fakhrul.
Volunteers from Google spend time with residents while installation work takes place at Kampung Sungai Relang. Their participation extended beyond financial support, with volunteers working directly alongside the SOLS Foundation team and the local community.
Image via SOLS Foundation (Provided to SAYS)Together, the deployments at Kampung Sungai Relang and Kampung Air Kuning are estimated to generate RM177,120 in annual household savings and return 88,560 hours of productive time to residents each year
Volunteers from Google, SOLS Foundation team members, and residents gather at Balai Raya Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Relang following the deployment.
Image via SOLS Foundation (Provided to SAYS)