The government of Sabah in Malaysia draws a 17-year plan that is meant to tackle the state’s chronic power issues while also establishing a long-term action plan for energy industry.
Hajiji Noor, the Chief Minister of the state, said the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) outlines the state’s direction and initiatives as they prepare to take over regulatory powers for Electricity Supply and Renewable Energy from the federal government in January of next year.
He said, “We know and realize that the power supply issue in Sabah has been plaguing the people for so long. The government is committed to addressing this legacy issue and making every effort to resolve it.
“With the Hala Tuju SMJ investor-friendly policy, basic infrastructure needs such as electricity and water supply remain a priority. This plan would certainly pave the way for us to ramp up electricity supply for industry needs,” Hajiji Noor said.
Under the master plan, the Sabah Energy Council will be set up to monitor, support and provide guidance on the implementation of the planned short, medium and long-term initiatives.
One of the targets of SE-RAMP 2040 is to ensure dependable power supply, with comprehensive coverage at an affordable price while ensuring environmental sustainability for the future.
“It is also to complement the National Energy Policy launched last year, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap 2050 (NETR) launched in August,” he said.
With the action plan in place, Hajiji hopes the state can continue to attract more investors. Among the foreign direct investors in the industry now are copper coil manufacturer SK Nexilis, solar glass manufacturer Kibing, Linaco coconut integrated processing mill and green steel project, Esteel.
The roadmap was formulated by the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) which is mandated to carry out the plan.
“By having total regulatory control of the energy sector in Sabah through ECoS, which has already been carrying out its duties as the onshore gas supply regulator, would also regulate its electricity and renewable energy supply.
“This means the state government will be able to decide on matters involving enactment of laws, policymaking, electricity and renewable energy infrastructures in tandem with Sabah’s holistic development plan,” he said.
