Sabah leads renewable energy way with first floating solar on potable water in M’sia

PENAMPANG (Feb 11): Sabah marked a milestone in its renewable energy drive today with the launch of two major solar projects — a 13.21MW floating solar facility at Babagon Dam and a 15MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Batu Sapi, Sandakan.

The projects, costing a combined RM63 million, underscore the State’s push to expand clean energy capacity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The Batu Sapi project accounts for RM53 million of the total investment.

Both are undertaken by Jetama Sdn Bhd (Jetama) and backed by 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Sabah Electricity.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said the launch reflects Sabah’s determination and capability to implement modern, high-impact renewable energy initiatives.

Notably, he said, the Babagon Dam project is the first floating photovoltaic solar installation of its kind in Sabah and Malaysia under the concept of floating solar on potable water — involving panels installed on a water reservoir that also serves as a source of treated water supply for the local population.

“It is not only the first in Sabah, but also the first in Malaysia under the concept of floating solar on potable water — namely, the installation of floating solar panels on a water reservoir that also serves as a source of water supply to the local population,” said Masidi, who is also state Finance Minister.

He emphasised that Babagon Dam remains a critical asset for the community and the state, particularly as a key water source.

“Therefore, I welcome the implementation approach of this project, which places emphasis on safety, technical compliance and good governance. Innovation must move in tandem with responsibility.

“The success of a project should not be measured solely by its construction and launch, but more importantly by its safe long-term operation and adherence to prescribed standards,” he said.

Masidi added that under the Sabah Maju Jaya development framework, the state government prioritises balanced development — strengthening the economy, enhancing public well-being and preserving environmental sustainability.

Renewable energy initiatives such as these, he said, contribute to expanding clean energy capacity, empowering the green industry, creating employment opportunities, developing local vendors and progressively reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the energy and industrial sectors.

He also commended the strategic collaboration between Jetama, the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECOS), Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and Sabah Development Bank (SDB), saying such cooperation accelerates project delivery, builds local technical capacity, expands the value chain within the state and generates broader economic benefits.

“I hope that these two projects will serve as catalysts for more renewable energy initiatives in Sabah — with emphasis on proper governance, compliance with existing standard operating procedures, and efficient implementation,” said Masidi.

Masidi stressed that the state government welcomes development projects that add value while maintaining high implementation standards to safeguard public interests and the sustainability of public assets.

Meanwhile, Jetama general manager Junidi Doronsoi said Babagon Dam undergoes major external audits by independent parties every five years, in addition to annual inspections.

He said Jetama also carries out routine maintenance works and has engaged a consortium, including an Australian company involved in the dam’s original construction between 1993 and 1995.

“The report from the audit stated that it is a clean bill of health,” he said.