Latest news with #ECoS
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah is at turning point in achieving good governance: Investors finally having confidence in Sabah
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By: Datuk Roger Chin Text Size: Sabah is beginning to show signs of a state turning a corner. Where past governments have often lacked follow-through or institutional clarity, the current Sabah State Government is quietly but steadily laying the foundations of a more self-reliant, results-driven administration. Across sectors — energy, education, investment, and institutional reform — a more confident Sabah is emerging. Advertisement Building Institutional Muscle - Power, Regulation, and Autonomy The establishment of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) is more than a bureaucratic development — it marks a turning point in how Sabah governs its most strategic resource. With Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) now actively managing gas distribution, and with Petronas recognising Sabah's growing autonomy over its own energy landscape, the state is strengthening both regulatory and commercial control over its resources. The approval of 1,000 MW in new power generation capacity under ECoS — including 200 MW of solar and 100 MW of battery storage in Lahad Datu — nearly doubles Sabah's current installed capacity of 1,200 MW. This proactive approach to energy security demonstrates administrative focus in preparing for growing industrial and domestic demand. Taking back 50pc equity in the producing Semarang Oil Field under SMJ Energy was once unimaginable. Today, Sabah holds a historic 50pc stake in an operating oil asset, with further back-in rights on other fields — a significant marker of progress in asserting energy sovereignty. This shift aligns with the broader spirit of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation — returning rights and agency to Sabah without fanfare, but with focus. Institutional Reform That Inspires Investor Confidence Sabah is no longer just talking about attracting investment — it is doing the hard work of institutional preparedness. The creation of the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM) is a notable move, signalling that Sabah is serious about dispute resolution infrastructure and legal professionalism. These are the quiet building blocks of an investor-friendly ecosystem. The state's ability to secure long-term, high-impact investments — such as E-Steel's manufacturing facility and other FDI-led industrial projects — reflects this shift. These are not fly-by-night deals but strategic entries into Sabah's industrial and logistics backbone, particularly in energy-adjacent and halal sectors. The government's target of developing 400,000 hectares of industrial tree plantations is also notable, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, regulated timber industry that can support long-term economic and ecological objectives. Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Spending Under current leadership, Sabah has also improved its fiscal standing. State revenue has seen stable growth, with increased allocations to development budgets. A record-setting education fund through Yayasan Sabah signals not just an investment in human capital, but a turnaround in financial governance. Where once Yayasan Sabah was associated with mismanagement, today it is stabilising its accounts and focusing on outcomes: scholarships, rural education access, and TVET capacity. State reserves have grown from RM2.93 billion in 2020 to RM8.6 billion today — a clear indicator of improved financial governance and expanding revenue streams. This reflects not just fiscal prudence, but also stronger performance from some state-linked companies. For instance, Innoprise Corporation declared RM500 million in dividends over the past four years (since 2021), after previously declaring none. This speaks to stronger GLC performance and improved governance. There's also a sharper focus on aligning spending with long-term returns — whether in roads, ports, industrial parks, or digital infrastructure. Lifting the Rural Heartland Beyond Kota Kinabalu, the state has expanded rural electrification, water access, and road upgrades — critical interventions for a state where over 40pc of the population lives outside urban centres. Programmes aimed at uplifting native and rural entrepreneurs — including agro-based industry support and SME grants — reflect a more inclusive vision of economic participation. The government is also gradually tackling longstanding issues in land recognition and native customary rights, though much remains to be done. A Grounded but Forward-Looking Approach There is no claim here of a perfect government. Bureaucratic delays, inequality, and capacity constraints persist. But the approach has shifted. Instead of headline-chasing, the Sabah State Government has chosen institutional depth and economic realism — a style of leadership that may not always grab national attention but is increasingly delivering results on the ground. From Capacity to Delivery Sabah's next challenge is ensuring delivery keeps pace with ambition. Institutions are being rebuilt, but administrative culture and political stability must continue evolving. The state must also take greater ownership of climate resilience, digital transformation, and youth employment — all of which will define its trajectory over the next decade. Still, for a state so long defined by unrealised potential, the signs today are encouraging. Sabah is not just asking for more from the Federation — it is preparing to do more for itself. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Comply or face legal action, ECoS CEO tells operators
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 Text Size: Ir Abdul Nasser further emphasised that operators who fail to comply with these regulations may face legal action, including fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years. KENINGAU: Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) CEO Datuk Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said compliance with legal requirements, such as obtaining Approval To Install (ATI) and Approval To Operate (ATO), is crucial to ensure the safety not only of business owners and their employees but also of the general public using services such as laundromats. He further emphasised that operators who fail to comply with these regulations may face legal action, including fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years. Advertisement He said this when officiating a Seminar on Gas Licensing Requirements and the Safety of Piped Gas System Installations, here, recently. The seminar focused on raising awareness among operators regarding the safety aspects of piped gas system installations, as well as compliance with relevant legislation and established standards. Also present at the seminar and delivering briefings were representatives from the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department and the Keningau District Council. The seminar also highlighted the importance of appointing a Competent Person or Person Responsible (OB) to ensure the long-term safety of business premises. This initiative by ECoS will continue to be intensified as part of its commitment to enhancing safety levels and preventing incidents arising from gas leaks, while also strengthening legal compliance across the industry. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
No electricity surcharge for Sabah, Labuan users until year-end
KOTA KINABALU: All electricity users in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan will not face any surcharge from July to December 2025, following the state government's decision to implement the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism for the six-month period. The move, approved by the Sabah government, is based on stable and controlled power generation costs, which do not require the imposition of a surcharge on any category of users, unlike in previous review cycles. The ICPT mechanism falls under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework, which allows for a tariff review every six months. 'This review reflects the difference between actual and projected generation costs, as approved during the regulatory period by the State Government,' said Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) in a statement on Wednesday (June 11). According to the statement, this latest implementation will benefit all electricity users, including those under public distribution licensees. It ensures that electricity bills in Sabah and Labuan will remain unchanged throughout the six-month period. The decision is expected to provide continued financial relief to households and businesses alike amid cost-of-living pressures.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah Energy Commission, technical institute team up to boost TVET training
KOTA KINABALU: The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) has formed a strategic partnership to boost technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and enhance workforce skills in the state's energy sector. ECoS signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday (June 4) with the Institute of Technical and Commercial Training (ILTP) under its Inspirasi TVET ECoS-ILTP Programme. ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid ( pic ) said the programme will strengthen the collaboration between the commission and ILTP. He said ILTP's recognition as ECoS's first "adopted" TVET institution was a crucial step in developing a sustainable and competitive energy ecosystem for the state. This programme will also serve as a platform to provide accurate information about ECoS' role to trainees who represent the state's future skilled workforce, he said. "Energy for the future starts with you today," Nasser said at the signing, urging trainees to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of the energy industry, as well as its challenges and opportunities. He also observed trainees' progress in electrical competency upgrading and gas competency programmes. Under their collaboration, ECoS and ILTP will work to enhance skills training in the energy sector, expand networking with industry players, and improve the employability of local TVET graduates. Nasser said ECoS is confident that the synergy with ILTP will boost local human capital development and support Sabah's energy development agenda.
Daily Express
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
ECoS pushes to Increase Energy Generation Capacity
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 Text Size: Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, accompanied by delegations from ECoS and Sabah Electricity, visited several existing power stations and energy development project sites located at the West Coast of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) has conducted comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of key energy projects in Sabah, aligning with the commission's efforts to strengthen the electricity supply system in Sabah. Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, accompanied by delegations from ECoS and Sabah Electricity, visited several existing power stations and energy development project sites located at the West Coast of Sabah. Locations visited included the SPR Energy Power Plant, Kimanis Power Plant, Sabah Oil & Gas Terminal (SOGT), Tenom Pangi Hydro Station, and two new project sites in Kimanis. The purpose of these visits was to assess project progress, ensure compliance with safety and technical standards, and evaluate the operational efficiency of existing power plants that play a crucial role in the stability of Sabah's electricity supply. 'This close monitoring is vital to ensure all projects are on schedule and can increase generation capacity. Both of these new projects will contribute 200MW of energy to the grid upon completion,' said Nasser. He also emphasized that these efforts are part of the Sabah State Government's commitment to address electricity supply issues and strengthen the state's energy sector holistically, in line with the goals outlined in the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040). Advertisement 'ECoS is committed to ensuring that every energy project in Sabah is developed and managed efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Close cooperation among government agencies, GLC companies, and industry players is key to the successful implementation of these projects,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
