Sabah to purchase electricity from Sarawak in 2025 as part of major power generation plan

File photo of Sarawak Energy transmission structure.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 23: Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS), which regulates electricity supply in Sabah, plans to purchase electricity from Sarawak next year to address ongoing electricity supply challenges in the region.

Accoring to a news report by TVS, Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof emphasised that this purchase is part of a significant electricity generation initiative being developed by ECoS to resolve electricity-related issues in Sabah.

“ECoS has outlined several major projects, including the purchase of electricity from Sarawak in 2025, the construction of a new power plant with a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) in 2026 and 2027, and the establishment of a large-scale solar farm with a capacity of 100 MW in 2026,” he said in a written reply published on the Malaysian Parliament website.

He was responding to Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee who urged the ministry to establish a timeline for resolving electricity generation issues in Sabah, particularly in the Sandakan area, so that local communities and industries can thrive through a reliable electricity supply.

Fadillah, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, noted that the Sabah government would update its planning through the Sabah Electric Generation Development Plan, which will be discussed in the Sabah Energy Council meetings held biannually.

Furthermore, Sabah intends to enhance its electricity generation potential through hydro resources, guided by findings from the ongoing Hydro Development Plan being developed by ECoS.

“Additionally, Sabah will explore interconnections with North Kalimantan and investigate new generation technologies and sources, including geothermal, wind, and hydrogen,” he added.

Fadillah expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts of ECoS and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) would effectively address and mitigate electricity generation issues in the region.

“The federal government is committed to supporting the electricity generation development agenda in Sabah, ensuring that the people can benefit from a more stable and secure electricity supply system,” he added. — DayakDaily