Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s continued dependence on independent power producers (IPPs) means Federal electricity subsidies should remain in place, said Deputy Chief Minister I and Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam.
He agreed with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali’s call for continued Federal electricity subsidies for Sabah, as the State remained dependent on independent power producers (IPPs).
“It is only natural that the subsidy should continue,” he said after launching the Sabah Electricity Public Electrical Safety Campaign and Safety, Health and Environment Week, here, Tuesday.
He said there was no fixed deadline for Sabah to stop depending on Federal subsidies.
Joachim said an earlier transition could be possible if Sabahans were willing to accept higher electricity tariffs, but if consumers were not prepared for higher tariffs, the existing arrangement would have to continue as electricity generation was not cheap.
Armizan had previously called for the subsidy to be increased this year and extended beyond 2030, saying Sabah’s electricity-sector transformation would take time and continued Federal support was needed to address legacy issues and rising fuel costs.
On the Southern Link, Joachim said part of the project had already been approved and expressed hope that the next portion would be included in the upcoming Federal Budget, but stressed that it was not a project that could be completed within one or two years and would instead be an ongoing programme.
Asked about his expectations for the Budget, Joachim said he could not know in advance what allocations would be announced by the Federal Government, but hoped it would provide better outcomes for Sabah.
“More allocations for Sabah would be better,” he said.
Separately, Joachim stressed that electrical safety must be cultivated as a daily practice rather than treated as a concern only after an accident occurs, stressing the need for greater public awareness of how to identify and avoid electrical hazards.
“Electrical safety is not the responsibility of Sabah Electricity (SE) alone, but a shared responsibility involving all stakeholders, including the Government, contractors, developers, premises owners, community leaders and the public,” he said.
He said risks included working near electrical lines, approaching fallen cables, illegal connections, renovation works without considering electrical installations and unsafe electrical equipment, while construction, excavation, tree-cutting and installing structures near power lines could also result in serious incidents.
“Do not take risks and do not make assumptions about electrical safety. If there is any doubt, seek advice and information from the relevant authorities first,” he urged.
Joachim also stressed the importance of early coordination between government agencies and stakeholders, particularly for road construction, telecommunications infrastructure installation, excavation, tree trimming and development works that could interact with electrical infrastructure.
“Such coordination can help prevent accidents, reduce disruptions to the public and ensure development works are carried out smoothly,” he added.
Regarding the campaign, Joachim said it should not become merely an annual programme, but should result in lasting changes in behaviour, with people knowing what to do when they encountered fallen cables or dangerous electrical connections and ensuring proper safety checks before carrying out work near power lines.
He said the State Government would continue to regard utility infrastructure as an important foundation for economic growth and public wellbeing, adding that strong infrastructure must be supported by safe operations and a community with sufficient safety awareness.
SE Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir Ts Mohd Yaakob Jaafar said a total of 10 people had died in electrical-related incidents this year, including one contractor, while the figure did not include incidents involving wildlife.
Yaakob said the latest incidents highlighted the need for greater public awareness to identify and avoid the risks of electric shock.
