Kota Kinabalu: A heated debate ensued between Warisan’s Sri Tanjong Assemblyman Justin Wong and several assemblymen, including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, during the tabling of the Electricity Supply 2024 Bill.
Justin claimed the Sabah Government failed to defend the State’s interests by not objecting to the Energy Commission’s decision to increase the electricity tariff surcharge.
He said the decision would impose an undue burden on residents, particularly the lower-income backgrounds.
“I am disappointed with the GRS government, why does it often use the excuse ‘it’s a Federal decision, the government can’t do anything’ to justify a policy that will burden the people of Sabah.
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Justin’s accusations sparked a fierce response from several assemblymen with Kemabong Assemblyman questioning what he (Justin) meant by the Government’s failure.
The debate intensified when Hajiji joined the discussion voicing his opinion on the matter.
“Sri Tanjong is only good at talking. Don’t talk nonsense here. Don’t talk politics here. Don’t make accusations,” said Hajiji.
“I am not talking politics. Did you object when this (tariff increase) was implemented?” Justin asked.
“This Assemblyman is inciting all kinds of things,” said Hajiji, which Justin denied. The hall buzzed with tension as more elected representatives clashed over the perceived priorities of the government and the perceived neglect of the people’s welfare.
The Deputy Speaker called on everyone to sit down and keep their emotions in check.
“Control your emotions. Sri Tanjong please stick to the Bill. I don’t want to hear any negative feedback. We want to hear something productive,” said AlHambra.
Meanwhile, Justin suggested that the Sabah Government should create an electricity discount or special rate for users, especially small and medium enterprises if subsidies have been withdrawn for commercial and industrial users.
“This tariff increase also involves CM2 and CM3 commercial users such as shopping centres, restaurants, the accommodation sector and so on.
“The problem is that when these companies have to bear higher costs, they will increase the management fee, for example city malls have many SME operators, so they may be charged higher management fees.
“For the industrial sector, I was aware that foreign companies such as SK Nexilis got a special rate through the MoU that was signed as a measure to attract foreign investment to Sabah.
“I suggest the Sabah government take the same decision for local companies in the industrial sector by giving a special rate as a sign of appreciation to those who have contributed to this region for a long time.
“Likewise for the accommodation sector, local entrepreneurs who will bear the cost of higher electricity bills.
“On the east coast such as Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau, I am not mistaken all accommodation operators are local operators. Is this adjustment a step to catalyse the local tourism sector? Not to mention the frequency of electricity supply interruptions which has become a problem/obstacle for entrepreneurs who lose from the breakdown of electrical equipment.
“Sarawak has an electricity discount initiative called Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang 9.0, why doesn’t Sabah have it?” he said.
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