Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin urged the Federal Government to look into the electricity supply crisis in Sabah.
Chin said despite the Federal Government’s pledge to increase power generation capacity by 100MW, this is far from enough to meet Sabah’s energy needs.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Sabah requires at least 2,000MW of electricity to not only meet current demands but also support future development.”
He pointed out that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, had announced plans for the construction of two 100MW power plants, which would be completed in 2026 and 2027, and a large-scale solar power plant.
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Chin said Sabah is currently facing frequent power outages, outdated infrastructure and insufficient energy reserves.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});According to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), the goal is to achieve a 30 per cent reserve capacity by 2030.
“However, relying solely on the addition of 100MW of power generation capacity will not enable Sabah to achieve true energy security.”
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He said Sabah’s energy demand is growing rapidly, driven by population growth, industrialisation and urbanisation.
“Key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing depend on stable power supply.
“If the power generation capacity is not significantly increased, Sabah risks losing investment and facing stagnated development.”
He said a 2,000MW power generation capacity would ensure stable power supply, reduce power outages, and boost investor confidence.
In addition, he said it would promote economic growth, attract industrial investment, create job opportunities, and increase the state’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Sabah’s enhanced energy supply also allows it to better cope with sudden demand and supply disruptions, while supporting the development of renewable energy, providing sufficient buffer, and accelerating solar, wind, and other sustainable energy projects, he said.
He also called for the unity of the people of Sabah to demand the Federal Government to fulfil the following key matters:
First, he urged the government to immediately invest in large-scale power generation projects to increase at least 2,000MW of electricity generation to meet current and future demands.
Secondly, he called for a comprehensive upgrade of power infrastructure, including modernization of transmission and distribution networks, to improve energy efficiency and reduce power losses.
Furthermore, he emphasised the need to accelerate the development of renewable energy, particularly in fast-tracking solar, wind, and hydropower projects, in effort to make Sabah a leading state in sustainable energy.
He said the Federal Government’s current policy is a “dangerous simplification” of Sabah’s issues.
He pointed out that the addition of only 200MW of power generation capacity will not bridge the existing energy gap in Sabah.
“The target to achieve the 30 per cent reserve capacity target by 2030 has completely disregarded the rapid growth in energy demand.
“Sabah may fall into an endless ‘catch-up’ loop.”
Chin stressed that the upcoming Sabah state election will be a crucial moment for the people of Sabah to fight for their rights.
“If local political parties in Sabah can secure an overwhelming victory in the election, the state will have more leverage to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Federal Government.”
He said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is the best choice for Sabahans.
“Voters should unite under GRS in the upcoming state elections and concentrate their votes to ensure continued governance and prosperity for Sabah.”
