The shift toward hybrid work has been widely praised for its sustainability benefits, with reduced commuting lowering traffic congestion and carbon emissions. However, in Malaysia, where air-conditioning is a necessity due to the tropical climate, remote work has led to increased household energy consumption, complicating the environmental gains.
A study in Penang revealed that cooling energy accounts for 36% of residential electricity use, highlighting how the financial and ecological burden has shifted to employees. As companies embrace flexible work models, experts urge a more balanced approach, including potential financial support for employees to mitigate rising utility costs.
