Sabah Electricity’s 15 pct tariff hike must come with reliable power supply, says PBS Youth

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 3): Sabah Electricity’s (SE) 15 per cent increase in electricity tariffs this month must involve improved efficiency and quality of service, said Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) Youth wing.

PBS Youth Exco chief Datuk Christoper Mandut said the tariff increase could be justified if it is accompanied by comprehensive improvements by SE, particularly in management, technical capability, and human resource capacity.

He said improving operational efficiency is crucial to ensure consumers receive better and more stable electricity services.

“With this increase, I hope SE’s management will become more efficient, its workforce will be expanded, and its technical capabilities strengthened to help reduce the frequent power disruptions experienced by consumers,” he said in a statement.

He stressed that any tariff hike must deliver direct benefits to the public, particularly in terms of the reliability of electricity supply and the effectiveness of infrastructure maintenance.

Mandut added that PBS Youth hoped SE would adopt a more people-centric approach in addressing consumer needs, in line with the state’s development aspirations and overall well-being of Sabahans.

SE had announced on Jan 31 that new electricity tariffs would be implemented in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan effective Feb 1.

Under the revision, the average base tariff has been adjusted to 39.70 sen per kilowatt hour (kWh), up from the previous 34.52 sen per kWh.