KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s electricity woes may soon be alleviated as plans to supply 1,500 megawatts (MW) of power from Sarawak's Bintulu gas resources to southern Philippines via the state move forward, says a consumer group.
National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) chairman David Chan hailed the initiative—recently proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—as a historic turning point in addressing Sabah's long-standing power shortages.
"Sabah has endured persistent power shortages and an unreliable electricity supply, affecting businesses, industries, and households.
"This collaboration between Sarawak and Sabah is a timely and strategic solution that can drive economic recovery, support industrial growth, and improve consumers’ quality of life,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 21).
Chan noted Sarawak’s expertise in energy generation and highlighted the significance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable energy security.
"Moreover, the future prospect of extending electricity supply from Sabah to the southern Philippines via a new power grid positions Sabah as a key player in the regional energy market.
"We view this initiative as a game changer that will not only stabilise Sabah’s power supply but also boost investor confidence, drive economic development, and create jobs," he said.
However, Chan stressed that the success of the project depends on efficient execution, transparent governance, and clear communication on tariffs, infrastructure readiness, and implementation timelines.
The foundation urged authorities—including the Sabah and Sarawak governments, Sarawak Energy, and the federal government—to work together to ensure the smooth implementation of the project, free from delays, hidden costs or inefficiencies.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced earlier that excess electricity would be supplied to the southern Philippines via Sabah starting next year.
The power will be sourced from a 500MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Miri, supplemented by three additional Bintulu plants with a combined capacity of 1,500MW.
"Our excess electricity will be sent to Sabah, and the Prime Minister has asked us to transmit it onwards to the southern Philippines. This means we are supplying energy within Asean.
"This is our strength," he said.
In earlier reports, Sabah Electricity chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the state's power grid is ready, pending the completion of related facilities in Sarawak for interconnection.
A power purchase agreement between the two states has been signed, initially supplying 30MW, with plans to increase to 50MW within five years.
The state’s utility company aims to expand the capacity to 100MW as Sarawak’s supply capability grows.
Tangau noted that the collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak will be crucial in strengthening power capacity and stability in the region, adding that the energy transfer relies on the completion of the inter-regional grid connection.
"The export of energy from Sarawak to the Philippines would be more effective with the swift completion of the Southern Link Project. This initiative involves constructing a 330km transmission line from Sipitang to Tenom, extending to Kalabakan and Tawau, integrating with the existing network.
"This strategic development will not only enhance Sabah’s electricity stability but also reinforce the regional energy framework," he said.
댓글