Every year on May 1, Malaysians join the world in celebrating Labour Day, honoring the hard work, strength and dedication of workers from all walks of life.
Commemorated through a public holiday that has been officially celebrated in the country since 1972, it is a special day that serves as a recognition of the power who keep our country running, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
Of constant note to us are the men and women who work tirelessly to keep Malaysia’s power supply going.
These unsung heroes are the employees of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), who work around the clock to make sure that our streetlights are on, our hospitals are powered, businesses run smoothly, and our national security forces supported in keeping the peace.
Behind every lightbulb and fan and charger, tens of thousands of engineers and technicians, planners and administrators work not in silos, but together as one team with a common mission to keep the lights on at all times of the day and night.
Our staff go beyond the call of duty and responding to operations that few know or even hear about so that the rest of the country can enjoy uninterrupted power.
Once, many years ago, power supply in this part of the world was hard to come by. But all great stories usually start with a single small spark.
The People who Sparked Malaysia's Progress
Electricity was first introduced into the Malay Peninsula in 1894 for mining purposes, with supply extended to street lighting in Rawang, Selangor that year, and then to the railway stations in Kuala Lumpur in 1895.
However, until the mid-1920s, most power plants were small and used a variety of fuel from coal to wood and charcoal to hydro power. Many generators were privately owned, and there was a great need for electricity in the country as modernisation drew steadily into the picture.
TNB's origins started from humble beginnings with the formation of the Central Electricity Board (CEB) in 1949 to replace the fragmented power system that the country had at the time.
Throughout the years, the CEB began to expand, evolving into the National Electricity Board (LLN) in 1965 as it began to grow in both assets and workforce, adding power stations and technologies, steadily turning on lights in the young country.
Throughout all this time, the company pushed full steam ahead, an effort that could only have been possible through strong leadership and hard, determined work by its employees.
Since its privatisation, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has seen a transformation not just in infrastructure, but in the spirit and professionalism of its workforce. TNB workforce have kept their spirits amid the demanding challenges of powering the nation. TNB’s strength lies not only in its technical abilities, but in the people behind the scenes.
Many employees are attracted by a positive work culture, strong peer support, and a sense of professional pride. Others have carried the TNB banner abroad to support international operations.
Our workers have helped to transform Malaysia into one of the fastest developing countries in the region, supporting it every inch of the way by making sure the power never stopped flowing.
Keeping the Company Strong by Empowering Our Employees
But knowing the company’s history and that of its employees is one thing. We have much to do and a long road ahead of us.
The strongest plan we have is to prepare for whatever future may come is a strong, skilled and diverse workforce. Through upskilling and reskilling, we would be able to shape a high-performing group of professionals ready for the company's Energy Transition goals.
We are fully committed to supporting TNB’s workforce, from fair labour practices to equal opportunities for all, our aim to investing in training, education, and career growth.
We also listen closely to our employees through surveys, townhalls, and feedback sessions, helping us create a better workplace for everyone. We also believe in a balanced workforce, pushing ahead with achievements like an 89% employee engagement score in 2024.
These are important milestones, but we know we must keep improving, and it is a commitment we will readily keep.
Celebrating Those Who Power the Country
The story of electricity in Malaysia is also the story of its people, and the workers who made the country what it is today.
The country has its advancement journey and our workers are prepared to help it every step of the way as we adapt to new innovations and future possibilities. These could only happen under the ever-expanding skillset of TNB’s workforce and a strong work ethic that has weathered many storms.
From small beginnings serving mere thousands to making sure that millions across the country can enjoy the same spark that allows us to live and work in comfort.
This Labour Day, we honour every of our staff who keep Malaysia bright. Your work goes far beyond the grid — it lights up lives.
