Kota Kinabalu: Strengthening the energy sector will remain one of the State Government’s key strategic development priorities, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the State Government was committed to ensuring that not only Sabah has a sufficient and reliable electricity supply, but also a more efficient and sustainable energy system that would benefit future generations.
“For this reason, the State Government has adopted the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) as the strategic blueprint for the development of Sabah’s energy sector.
“The plan serves as a guide to strengthen energy security, diversify energy sources, increase the use of renewable energy and ensure energy development continues to support the State’s economic aspirations.
“These efforts are aimed at ensuring Sabah’s electricity supply remains adequate, stable, reliable and affordable, in line with the State’s energy transition aspirations,” he said at the launch of the Sabah Sustainable Energy for the People programme, here, on Wednesday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, while Head of State Tun Musa Aman officiated at the event.
Hajiji congratulated the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) for its continued commitment to driving the development of the State’s energy sector through a progressive, forward-looking and people-centred approach.
“Today, we are witnessing another important milestone in realising that aspiration with the launch of the Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP) and the Sabah People Solar Programme,” he said.
He said the various initiatives launched formed a complementary ecosystem to support Sabah’s energy transition.
“The recognition of solar projects, the implementation of the Government Lead by Example initiative, collaboration with training institutions, entrepreneur development through the Memorandum of Understanding with Institut Keusahawanan Negara Berhad (Insken), as well as the implementation of corporate social responsibility programmes, reflect the fact that sustainable energy development requires the participation of all stakeholders,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government also wanted to see energy used more prudently and efficiently across all sectors while providing more Sabahans with opportunities to adopt renewable energy.
“We want to create an environment that encourages innovation, investment and the development of an energy industry capable of generating greater value for the State’s economy.
“The energy transition is not merely about technology. It is a transformation involving policy, investment, human capital development, research, innovation and close collaboration between the Government, industry, educational institutions and the community.
“Such collaboration is essential to ensure that every policy introduced can be implemented effectively and deliver tangible benefits to the people,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government would continue to ensure the energy sector developed in a planned, sustainable and resilient manner by strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government, ECoS, industry players, investors, financial institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to support Sabah’s long-term development.
