CM: Sabah continues to strengthens energy security with renewable projects

TUARAN (March 14): The Sabah government will continue to strengthen efforts to enhance the state’s energy security through the implementation of various strategic projects to ensure a stable, sustainable and resilient electricity supply in support of economic development and the well-being of the people.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the state government consistently supports measures undertaken by Sabah Electricity to improve service efficiency and upgrade electricity supply infrastructure in Sabah.

According to him, the continuous efforts include enhancing power generation capacity, strengthening transmission and distribution networks, as well as improving service quality for consumers throughout the state.

“This commitment is in line with the state government’s mission to provide a stable and sustainable electricity supply to drive Sabah’s development aspirations and ensure the continued well-being of the people.

“In this context, the state government through the Sabah Energy Council, Sabah Energy Commission and related agencies is implementing a comprehensive strategy in phases covering short-, medium- and long-term plans,” he said at the “Seikhlas Budi, Sesuci Ramadan” with the Chief Minister programme at Masjid At-Taqwa Laya-Laya here.

Hajiji said among the key initiatives being implemented is the development of new power generation projects involving a more diversified energy mix.

He said this includes the use of gas-based power plants as a transitional energy source, alongside the expansion of renewable energy such as hydro, solar and wind, as well as the use of modern energy storage technologies including Battery Energy Storage Systems and pumped-storage hydropower.

Meanwhile, he said the Sabah–Sarawak Power Grid Interconnection Project launched earlier this year is expected to further strengthen the stability of the electricity supply system in the state.

According to him, the project will not only make the energy supply more stable and reliable, but will also help gradually reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based generation.

“At the same time, it will also increase Sabah’s electricity reserve margin and strengthen investor confidence in the reliability of the state’s power supply,” he said.

Hajiji said the recent launch of the 15-megawatt (MW) Solar Project in Tuaran also marked an important step in the transformation of Sabah’s energy structure.

According to him, the project will not only add energy capacity to the state’s electricity supply system but is also in line with the implementation of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP2040) which emphasises the development of renewable energy and diversification of energy sources.

“This effort sends a clear signal that Sabah is committed to strengthening the state’s energy security because without a stable and sufficient energy supply, it would be difficult for us to attract high-impact investments and develop value-added industries,” he said.

He also praised the commitment of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Sabah Electricity in carrying out corporate social responsibility through the Wakalah Zakat contribution initiative to asnaf groups, mosques and tahfiz institutions in Tuaran.

According to him, the programme not only benefits those in need but also strengthens ties between the government, agencies and the community.