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COVID′19 pandemic has devastated several industries and solar energy is no exception. In its economic relief package, Malaysia has announced approximately US$ 2.9 billion in expenditure for the installation of new grids, LED street lights and rooftop solar panels. The Government will also open the tender for a 1400 MW solar power project in the year 2020, which is expected to generate 5 billion ringgit (US$1.1 billion) in investments. As these measures are intended to sustain the existing growth of solar energy potential in the country, it is vital to assess its status quo. Hence, this paper aims to review the current status of renewable energy in Malaysia as well as the initiatives taken before the pandemic to promote solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to meet the energy demands through the low-carbon pathway. • Solar technologies and factors affecting renewable energy in Malaysia. • Initiatives and different policies implemented by the Malaysian government. • Carbon-neutral Malaysia beyond Covid'19 pandemic. • Comparison between the ASEAN countries and their strategies to reach renewable energy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]