Kota Kinabalu: The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developed by Sabah Electricity (SE), with a 100 megawatts (MW) capacity, is expected to be operational this July.
Sabah Electricity’s Chief Executive Officer Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Jaafar said the project, which began in September 2024, is the largest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
“The project, built in Lahad Datu, will increase the potential of renewable energy generation primarily since it uses solar energy.
“We can assure that with the presence of this battery, the power supply issues faced by users on the east coast of Sabah, which have been somewhat insufficient, can be addressed,” he said after a courtesy call on Head of State Tun Musa Aman at Istana Sri Kinabalu.
He said the purpose of the visit was to present RM3.85 million in business zakat (alms) from their 2023 profits to the Zakat and Fitrah Division of the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS). Yaakob advised the public to exercise greater caution when installing electrical wiring at home to prevent unwanted incidents.
“During Ramadan, several fire cases have been caused by short circuits. Therefore, we advise users only to hire certified contractors,” he said.
Earlier, Musa witnessed the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) and its subsidiaries handing over business zakat for 2024 worth RM300,000 to Muis, presented by Sedco Chairman Datuk Rubin Balang.
Rubin said the zakat contribution is part of Sedco and its subsidiaries ‘ commitment to supporting socio-economic development and helping those in need.