7 days ago
A remote island's push for stable electricity
Powering up: Pulau Keniogan, a remote island off the east coast of Sabah where residents are hoping for 24-hour electricity to support daily life and livelihoods.
KOTA KINABALU: On Pulau Keniogan – a small island off the east coast of Sabah that is about an hour's boat ride from Beluran and two hours from Sandakan – the sound of generators has long been a part of the rhythm of daily life.
For years, the island's 1,200 residents made do with only 12 hours of electricity a day. Now, that has been extended to 18 hours – and Sabah Electricity is pushing ahead to achieve round-the-clock supply.
A newly installed, more efficient generator has replaced ageing diesel-powered units, allowing more stable supply for about 200 households.
Sabah Electricity chief operating officer Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof said the upgrade reflects the utility's commitment to ensure that rural and island communities are not left behind.
'We believe everyone in Sabah deserves access to the best utility services, regardless of where they live,' he said.
'At Pulau Keniogan, we've installed a new, more efficient generator to provide more reliable electricity and we are moving towards a full 24-hour supply.'
The island's remoteness has long made development difficult. With no road access, everything from fuel to basic supplies must be brought in by boat.
This is costly, time-consuming and weather-dependent.
Despite these limitations, Pulau Keniogan is a thriving community with a primary school, several kindergartens and a community clinic serving local healthcare needs.
Reliable electricity, residents say, is essential to keeping these basic facilities running smoothly.
Before the extension, electricity was only available from 6pm to 6am, forcing villagers to schedule their lives around the generator's limited hours. There was no power during the day – even as the tropical heat soared.
Lokman Madlis, who serves as the community development leader for the island, said the improvement has already made a visible difference.
'We're thankful the hours have increased, but we're really hoping for 24 hours soon,' he said.
'People in the city take it for granted – things like running a fridge, using a fan, watching TV. We want to enjoy the same comfort.'
Beluran is among the country's poorest districts. It is ranked as one of the eight poorest in Sabah and among the 10 poorest in Malaysia, according to the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Meanwhile, village community leader Kamarzaman Marof said consistent electricity is crucial for the island's economy, especially fishermen who rely on freezers to preserve their catch.
'Our livelihoods depend on it. Without enough electricity, we can't keep fish and prawns fresh and that affects our income,' he said.
Many families go out to sea before dawn and return in the afternoon, only to scramble for limited freezer space before the power shuts off. 'Sometimes we have to throw away what we can't keep cold. It's heartbreaking when your hard work just goes to waste,' he added.
A solar hybrid project, once launched as a long-term solution, had stalled midway.
While villagers were initially hopeful when works began several years ago, the site has since been left idle.
Still, they have not given up. Some locals said they have heard plans to revive the project under a new contractor, and they're hoping the government will keep that promise.
'To us, electricity isn't a luxury – it's something that gives dignity,' Lokman said.
