28 May 2026: THE US-Israeli war on Iran has increased Malaysia’s energy vulnerabilities, as with the rest of the world. This increases the so-called Energy Trilemma challenges that Malaysia faces as it transitions away from fossil fuels to renewables: enery security, equitable access to energy, and environmental sustainability.

Ensuring security and access (particularly affordability) is now urgent as spiked and spiking oil and gas prices hit citizens and economic sectors. They require responsiveness and action by the government and agencies as well as businesses and the public.

The two areas also impact each other: citizens see and feel affordability issues. But behind the scenes, ensuring security also impacts affordability, particularly since Malaysia is heavily dependent on imports whether for ‘old energy’ (eg. coal) or renewables (eg. China-sourced solar panels).

The Macaranga Mentorship on Just Energy Transition 2026 seeks to highlight these 2 areas of affordability and security in local media through the mentorship and production of 4 stories. Two will focus on affordability impacts on the public, and two will investigate cross-border issues of security. The project will have a strongly visual approach, whether photos or video.

The project seeks also to build capacity among journalists in:

• Reporting on just energy transition
• Local and cross-border reporting, and
• Using visuals to bring home the story

Check back here for updates and look out for their stories in the coming months!