Banggi solar project completed in 2015, says Sabah Umno leader
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah Umno leader has refuted claims by Bersatu regarding stalled solar projects in Pulau Banggi, labelling them misleading and politically motivated.
Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the accusation by Sabah Bersatu women's chief Rahimah Majid showed a lack of understanding about the project's implementation.
"This project was fully completed in 2015, long before Zahid (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) led the Rural and Regional Development Ministry,' Suhaimi said in a statement.
Concerns were raised last Saturday (May 24) over stalled hybrid solar projects in Pulau Banggi, which remained incomplete years after their launch.
Rahimah urged the Federal Government to explain the delay, stating that the failure has dashed residents' hopes of reliable electricity.
Accessible by a ferry ride of over one hour from Kudat, the island hosts many coastal villages facing challenges accessing electricity and clean water.
Suhaimi, also the Libaran MP, said the Rural Electricity Supply (BELB) Hybrid Solar Project was handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for operation and maintenance.
He added that any technical issues since then fall under SESB's jurisdiction and said that the the villages mentioned by Rahimah—Kampung Selamat, Pulau Tigabu and Pulau Balambangan — are part of a separate initiative.
This project, Hybrid Solar System Project for Remote Islands in Sabah, is 85% complete, with a 15% delay from the original timeline.
"The ministry's technical division is terminating the contractor for failing to meet deadlines and standards," he said, noting a site visit is scheduled for June 16.
"This shows the government is taking firm and transparent action on the delay."
He said Rahimah's claim that the project was launched "in grand fashion" but is now abandoned was a baseless attempt to twist public perception.
"What's ironic is this was a legacy project from their own time in government. Now they point fingers at others," he said.
Suhaimi said Bersatu Sabah should stop acting like "a frustrated commentator barking from the sidelines" and focus on real solutions.
"Sabahans are wise enough to judge who walks the talk and who only makes promises when in power, then disappears when it's time to deliver," he added.
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