“KAN MAK DAH PESAN!” Here’s How Suruhanjaya Tenaga’s Billboard Is ‘Scolding’ Malaysians Into Saving Energy

If you’ve been cruising down the highway or stopping by an R&R lately and suddenly feel like your mother is watching you, you’re not imagining things. Because she actually is, thanks to a hilariously clever campaign by Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission of Malaysia):

Suruhanjaya Tenaga’s viral “Pesan Mak” campaign is making a comeback — and this time, it’s louder, funnier, and unmissable.

You know you’ve done something wrong when a billboard is ‘scolding’ you on a highway! 😝 Here’s why this brilliant campaign is winning hearts across Malaysia.

When your mum’s voice becomes a billboard… literally!  

Imagine you’re on the highway, excited to balik kampung, and suddenly, a giant billboard of not one, not two, but three fierce Malaysian mums pointing fingers at you. The bold letters ‘sternly’ nag: “Kan Mak Dah Pesan, Tutup Lampu, Tutup Kipas, Tutup TV!” (“Didn’t Mom already tell you? Always turn off your lights, fan, and TV!”)

After going viral during its first run from November 2023 to April 2024, Malaysians couldn’t stop talking about how hilariously relatable the billboard was. Check out their posts and comments:

So, it’s no surprise that Suruhanjaya Tenaga is bringing it back and this time with even more energy, more mums, and an even stronger message Malaysians simply can’t ignore.

These energetic “Mak-power” visuals have now been live across 149 billboard sites nationwide, including:

• 42 static billboards
• 40 digital billboards
• 67 LED screens

Not to mention, the billboard can also now be seen at the iconic Seremban R&R on the North-South Expressway. Got to make sure your highway snacks come with a side of motherly advice. 😏

The power of “Pesan Mak”! 

So, what makes “Pesan Mak” so effective? The goal is simple but powerful — make Malaysians care about energy-saving practices by tickling their funny bone, with just a hint of nostalgia on the side. 😉

This brilliant initiative, backed by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, SEDA Malaysia, and Yayasan Hijau, uses humour and nostalgia to promote something really important — energy efficiency.

Because it taps into something deeply familiar: the universal experience of being nagged by your mum, especially about wasting electricity.

By using everyday motherly advice as a call to action, these billboards go beyond being educational — they’re personal, hilarious, and also oddly comforting. Like your mum saying “I told you so” but in billboard form.

She’s not just watching — she’s teaching! 

In a world full of forgettable PSAs, Suruhanjaya Tenaga’s “Pesan Mak” stands out by keeping it real, with warmth, wit, and a healthy dose of Malaysian nostalgia. Whether you’re 12 or 42, when you see that billboard, you’ll remember one thing: “Alamak… forgot to tutup lampu!” 😱💡

The message is simple: don’t waste electricity. Here’s how you can do your part as a responsible Malaysian:

• Switch off unused lights, fans, TVs, and electrical appliances.
• Be mindful of your daily electricity use.
• Visit www.st.gov.my for energy-saving tips.

Because saving energy isn’t just smart — it’s what Mak told us to do. So next time you forget to turn off the electricity before heading out, remember — Mak is watching. 🧐

For more information, visit Suruhanjaya Tenaga’s website, Instagram and Facebook. BRB, pretty sure we left those lights on! 🫣