Power Grid project to strengthen Sabah’s electricity supply system

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah-Sarawak Interconnection Power Grid project will strengthen Sabah’s electricity supply system to become more stable, reliable, and
sustainable, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.

"This will also lead to a phased reduction on dependence of fossil fuel–based generation, strengthen Sabah’s electricity reserve margin, and further bolster investor confidence in the feasibility and reliability of the state's power supply.

“Sabah appreciates Sarawak’s willingness to be a strategic energy partner, not only through cooperation in cross-border electricity supply, but also as a Borneo development partner that shares the same future aspirations.

“Efforts to enhance electricity development in Sabah require the cooperation of all parties as one team. The commitment of the State Government is clear, which is to
ensure the state’s electricity supply is bolstered,” he said at the Energisation of the Sabah-Sarawak Power Grid Interconnection Project ceremony at the Sabah
International Convention Centre (SICC), here today.

The ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.

Hajiji said a joint effort of this nature is also a pivotal step towards realising the shared vision of BIMP-EAGA.

“By advancing cross-border infrastructure through the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), we are directly boosting the economic prospects of all participating nations. A resilient and sustainable power infrastructure will, in turn, strengthen both domestic and international
investor confidence, driving further growth in our industrial, manufacturing, and
downstream sectors,” he said.

He added that as Malaysia’s primary gateway to BIMP-EAGA, Sabah plays a strategic role in unifying Borneo’s power systems that not only unlock the potential for crossborder energy trade but also establish the framework for an integrated, efficient, and
sustainable regional energy market.

He said the Sabah-Sarawak Grid Interconnection is a vital milestone in this journey, paving the way for future links with Kalimantan, Brunei Darussalam, and eventually the
southern Philippines.

“The State Government fully recognises that electricity demand in Sabah is rising in tandem with our growing population, industrial expansion, and rural development.
Meeting this demand is a critical strategic priority.

“To address this, the State Government, through the Sabah Energy Council, Energy Commission of Sabah and other relevant agencies, has implemented a comprehensive, phased strategy covering short, medium, and long-term measures.

“This approach ensures an adequate generation reserve margin while enhancing the overall resilience and stability of Sabah’s power system,” he said.

The Chief Minister said key initiatives currently implemented and planned included the approval and development of new power generation projects across a diverse energy mix.

“This includes utilising gas-based power plants as a transitional energy source, alongside the expansion of renewables such as hydropower, solar, wind, and advanced energy storage technologies such as the battery energy storage system and pumped
storage hydro,” he said.

These measures were designed not only to increase capacity but also to mitigate supply risks by reducing over-reliance on any single energy source, he said.

Hajiji said the State Government is firmly committed to ensuring that Sabah’s energy sector evolves in harmony with environmental sustainability.

“Guided by the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, we are focusing on: renewable energy to lower carbon intensity.

"These efforts align with our climate change
commitments at both the state and national level, ensuring a greener and more sustainable energy future for generations to come,” he said.

Hajiji said the Sabah Government remained steadfast in its mission to provide a stable and sustainable electricity supply - fuelling Sabah’s development aspirations and
ensuring the overall well-being of its people.

Ends