- Sabah strengthens power reliability through sustainable and short-term strategies.
- Industrial zones are empowered to generate their own electricity independently.
- SE-RAMP 2040 targets energy resilience and a low-carbon future.
The Sabah government is reinforcing its commitment to guarantee a reliable and adequate electricity supply throughout the state by implementing a dual approach that emphasizes both long-term sustainable development and short- to mid-term practical measures.
Caretaker Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun stated that the state acknowledges that dependable energy is vital for both local use and for drawing in new investments.
“The government is encouraging renewable energy generation from sources such as solar, hydropower and rivers as part of a long-term plan to stabilise Sabah’s energy supply,” he told Sabah Media recently.
Although the shift to renewables is essential for future energy stability, Masidi recognized that Sabah currently does not have sufficient reserve capacity to satisfy immediate demand. As a temporary solution, he clarified that the state government is allowing new industrial zones to establish their own power generation plants or Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
“This approach allows industrial zones to generate their own electricity without relying entirely on Sabah Electricity. The electricity saved can then be redirected for domestic use,” he said.
Masidi mentioned that this setup provides reassurance to both international and domestic investors, especially in the manufacturing and heavy industry fields, that their activities will remain uninterrupted due to energy shortages.
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The initiative is a component of a larger plan to enhance Sabah's energy framework in accordance with the state's industrial growth objectives.
Masidi also made it clear that although the state is dedicated to enhancing electricity services, final authority still rests with the federal government via Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), which holds a significant share in Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
In a vital move towards regaining energy independence, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly approved three important bills last year that allow the state to gain regulatory authority over its electricity and renewable energy industries from the federal government.
The initiative aligns with the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), which outlines the goal of making Sabah an energy-resilient, low-carbon state by the year 2040.