Hidden engineering effort behind 2025 Sabah State Election

THE Sabah State Election on 29 November 2025 attracted strong public attention. People focused on the election results. However, many did not realize that the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election also depended on the hard work of engineers and technical teams who worked quietly behind the scenes.
One group played a very important role that is the engineers and technicians of Sabah Electricity Sdn.Bhd (SESB). Working together with district offices, the Election Commission, local authorities, JKR and other technical agencies, they ensured that every polling centre across the state had safe, stable, and reliable electricity throughout the day.
Before most voters even woke up, SESB engineers were already on the ground. Their mission was simple but critical: keep the lights on for all polling and counting centres, from urban schools in Kota Kinabalu to remote villages accessible only by long gravel roads or riverboats.
Elections are not just political events; they are also major technical operations. Every polling station needs safe wiring, bright lighting, cooling systems, communication equipment, and stable power for computers and vote-counting devices. Without these, even a well-planned election can face delays or confusion.
Sabah has more than 1,400 polling centres. Each one operates like a temporary command centre. Ensuring that all of them function smoothly is a major challenge. Many centres are in old buildings with aging wiring. Some are in areas with frequent thunderstorms or unstable supply. The 2025 election also faced sudden rain in several districts, increasing the risk of power interruptions.
SESB engineers and technicians began their preparations several days before polling. Teams inspected electrical lines, tested voltage stability, repaired weak points, and replaced unsafe wiring. Their work helped strengthen the overall grid and reduce potential risks.
Power continuity is important for public trust. Even a short power dip during voting or counting can create unnecessary anxiety. To avoid this, SESB worked closely with the Election Commission to install multiple layers of backup. More than 700 generators were deployed across Sabah, supported by UPS units for sensitive equipment. In remote areas, hybrid systems combining solar, batteries, and diesel were used to ensure a reliable supply.
Redundancy was a key strategy. Many counting centres had two generators running at the same time. Extra lighting was installed. Spare components were prepared. Communication systems had backup channels. These measures ensured that if one system had a problem, another could take over immediately.
On polling day, SESB engineers and  technicians were active from early morning until late at night. Before the centres opened, they tested generators, checked sockets and panels, and made sure UPS units were working. In areas affected by rain, they installed waterproof covers and raised platforms to prevent electrical hazards.
Throughout the day, SESB teams were stationed in every district. Their quick response helped prevent disruptions, especially in rural areas with more frequent voltage fluctuations.
Counting centres received the highest level of attention. Engineers and  technicians ensured they had stable cooling, strong lighting, and safe wiring. They used thermal tools to spot overheating and prevent faults. Their silent work contributed to a calm and safe environment for counting staff and observers.
Because of the teamwork between SESB and other supporting agencies, the 2025 Sabah State Election proceeded smoothly. Minor issues in rural areas were resolved quickly. Communication remained stable. Counting centres in key districts such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau operated without interruption. This contributed to clear, timely, and trusted election results.
The election experience also offered valuable lessons. Sabah can expand the use of hybrid renewable systems in rural polling centres, modernise old buildings, install smart monitoring systems for power equipment, and design mobile polling units with built-in power support for remote communities.
In the end, the 2025 Sabah State Election showed that democracy relies not only on leaders, voters, and volunteers but also on the skilled technical teams who work behind the scenes. Among them, the dedication of SESB engineers stood out. Their careful preparation kept every polling station bright, every ballot safe, and every result delivered smoothly. Their contribution may be quiet, but it is essential. They are the unseen guardians of a fair and peaceful election.