Kota Kinabalu: The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) is implementing immediate and long-term solutions to resolve electricity supply issues on Sabah’s east coast.
Its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said the commission is fixing current grid problems, upgrading infrastructure and building new power plants under a strategy.
“We are taking a comprehensive approach by implementing various initiatives simultaneously,” he said, pointing out the commitment through joint collaboration to resolve energy supply issues on the east coast through a plan mandated by the Sabah Energy Council chaired by the Chief Minister.
Immediate actions include improving the existing East-West Sabah Grid reliability and ensuring diesel and fuel oil generators on the east coast operate properly.
A 160MW gas-powered plant will be built in Tawau by 2028 as an interim solution, approved by the Energy Council in July.
The key long-term project is the 275kV Southern Link transmission line from Sipitang to Tawau. Phase 1 (Sipitang to Padas, 60km, RM200 million) has started with completion targeted for 2028. Phase 2 (Padas to Tawau, 270km, RM1.4 billion) needs federal funding to finish by 2030.
ECoS is also accelerating renewable energy projects including 100MW of solar farms for the east coast, a 141MW hydroelectric project at Segama River in Lahad Datu, plus plans for 250MW more solar capacity and battery storage.
