TAWAU: Kukusan Assemblywoman Datuk Rina Jainal said the recent power outage must serve as a turning point for Sabah’s electricity infrastructure, similar to how Peninsular Malaysia transformed its power system after the 1996 blackout.
The core problem became evident when a single critical transmission line failure plunged half of Sabah into darkness, exposing the State’s vulnerable power grid lacking adequate backup systems and local buffers.
“This is not just about one tower failing, it shows our system lacks resilience, redundancy pathways and local backup capacity,” Rina said.
She said that the Energy Commission of Sabah must lead transparent monitoring of the State’s energy roadmap with special focus on East Coast power security during disasters, not just temporary repairs.
To prevent future blackouts, Rina called for a proper redundancy system for the East Coast through alternative transmission routes forming a ring grid ensuring that when one line fails, half the State would not lose power.
Key improvements needed include upgrading main transmission lines to the East Coast for increased capacity and transfer capability, plus modern smart grid automation that can automatically reroute power during local failures.
For distributed energy security, Rina proposed developing community micro grids in East Coast villages and islands using solar, mini-hydro, biogas and battery storage.
“Government buildings, schools and clinics should receive solar roof installation incentives to maintain basic power during main grid disruptions,” she said.
She said authorities must publish an N-1 Security Plan detailing how the grid operates when major components fail, including project completion timelines, quarterly progress updates and a public-friendly recovery dashboard.
During power rationing, Rina demanded immediate announcements of clear zone-based schedules so residents can plan ahead, with priority supply maintained for hospitals, clinics, water treatment plants, examination schools, airports and community security.
She proposed establishing local information centres in each district with community generator assistance counters, vulnerable resident surveys, and clean water support for residents and small businesses during outages.
Rina advised the public to plan electricity usage by charging devices before scheduled cuts, avoid unattended candles, ensure proper ventilation when using generators and check on elderly neighbours, disabled persons and small families.
She urged residents to rely only on official information sources and avoid spreading rumours that increase public anxiety.
