Latest news with #SabahElectricity
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Keniogan folks hopeful of 24-hour power supply
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Sabah Electricity personnel inspecting the upgraded generator facility at the Pulau Keniogan power station, which now supplies electricity to the island for up to 18 hours daily as part of efforts to achieve 24-hour coverage. BELURAN: Villagers on Pulau Keniogan are one step closer to enjoying 24-hour electricity, as Sabah Electricity ramps up efforts to improve power supply on the remote island. The community, made up of some 200 households, currently receives electricity for 18 hours a day — an upgrade from the previous 12-hour schedule — following the installation of a new, more efficient diesel generator. Advertisement Sabah Electricity Chief Operating Officer Ir. Ts. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof said the move was part of the utility's commitment to ensure equitable access to electricity for all, including rural and island communities. 'We've sent a new, more efficient generator to Pulau Keniogan to ensure a more dependable power supply,' he said. 'We are working towards 24-hour electricity. Our goal is to make sure that every Sabahan gets the best service and electricity supply possible.' Pulau Keniogan, located off the coast of Sandakan and accessible only by boat, is home to a Bajau-majority fishing community that has long depended on candlelight, kerosene lamps and small private generators to get through the night. Local development officer (UPPM) Lokman Madlis said the longer electricity hours had already improved daily life for many residents. 'Alhamdulillah, it now feels like we're not so isolated anymore,' he said. 'People here have freezers, some even have air-conditioning and Astro. With longer electricity hours, we can store our catch properly and send it to the mainland for sale the next day. This really helps our income, especially for those who depend entirely on fishing.' Community representative Kamarzaman Marof echoed similar sentiments, saying full-day electricity is not just a convenience but a necessity. 'We really need 24-hour supply because ice is crucial for the fishermen,' he said. 'Without it, it's hard to keep our catch fresh. Some of us go out to sea in the morning and only return late in the day. If the ice melts or there's not enough, the fish will spoil and we lose money.' He pointed out that many elderly villagers rely on fans or cooling appliances due to the heat, adding that 24-hour power would improve their comfort and health. Sabah Electricity is currently working with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to complete a solar hybrid project on the island. Once completed, it is expected to provide long-term, clean and reliable energy to the village. * 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
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Daily Express
Elderly man injured in Dumpil house fire
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 Text Size: The two wooden houses razed in Kg Dumpil. PUTATAN: A 66-year-old man sustained burns after being caught in a blaze that destroyed two wooden houses in Kg Dumpil late Thursday. The Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 9.29 pm and arrived at the scene just four minutes later. Advertisement The victim, believed to have been attempting to escape the fire, suffered burns to the soles of his feet. He was given initial treatment by firefighters before being handed over to ambulance personnel for further medical attention at the hospital. The fire was brought under control by 9.52pm and the operation ended at 12.37am. Two non-permanent houses, measuring 20'x10' and 40'x50', were destroyed in the incident. However, quick action by firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to two nearby houses. Twenty firefighters from the Putatan, Kota Kinabalu and Penampang fire stations were involved in the operation, supported by three ambulances, four police personnel and representatives from Sabah Electricity. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. * 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
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
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.
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Green energy needs regional cooperation: Madius
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: Madius (centre) speaking on CHINA-ASEAN energy cooperation at the 2025 RCEP Member States Cooperation Dialogue. Kuala Lumpur: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) Chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for deeper Asean–China energy cooperation to help build a green and interconnected energy future. He made the call during the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Conference held recently, at the invitation of Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) President Datuk Frankie Liew and Tan Siew Ling, Vice President and Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee. Advertisement As a keynote speaker and forum panellist, Madius highlighted that Asean is at a critical juncture in its energy transition and underscored the importance of striking a balance between reliability, affordability and sustainability in power supply. He said China, as a global leader in energy technology and industrial development, could play a pivotal role in supporting Asean's green transition through technology sharing, investment and technical expertise. 'To realise these goals, regional collaboration is vital. Working closely with global leaders such as China, and engaging in the exchange of technology, investments and knowledge, will accelerate our progress,' he said. Madius cited Malaysia's proactive development in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its close cooperation with other Asean nations as a reflection of the country's strong commitment to a sustainable and integrated regional energy landscape. He said Malaysia, through strategic partnerships, technological innovation and policy leadership, is playing a key role in driving the region's energy transition. 'China's advancements in photovoltaic module manufacturing are set to play a crucial role in the global shift towards renewable energy,' he added. Madius also commended the organisers of the conference and congratulated them on the establishment of the China–Asean Photovoltaic Industry Cooperation Committee and the China–Asean New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Committee. He expressed hope that these new mechanisms would foster deeper collaboration in key green sectors, particularly photovoltaics and new energy vehicles, across the region. During the conference, Madius also introduced Sabah Electricity to international delegates. He explained that the company is 83 per cent owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 17 per cent by the Sabah State Government, with the Ministry of Finance Malaysia holding a one per cent 'golden share.' He said Sabah, located in East Malaysia, faces unique challenges in power grid infrastructure due to its geographical landscape, but holds immense potential in advancing the green energy agenda. 'As the main utility provider for Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah Electricity currently serves over 700,000 customers. Beyond supplying power, the company is committed to promoting energy diversification and enhancing efficiency to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy structure, contributing to Malaysia's national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,' he said, wishing the conference every success and hoping for closer collaboration among all parties to usher in a new era of regional energy cooperation. * 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
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Madius calls for stronger ASEAN-China energy ties to boost green future
Madius (centre) speaking on CHINA-ASEAN energy cooperation at the 2025 RCEP Member States Cooperation Dialogue. KOTA KINABALU (June 9): Sabah Electricity chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau called for deeper ASEAN–China energy cooperation to build a green and interconnected energy future. Madius, who is also a former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, made the call while attending the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Conference in Hefei, Anhui, China on June 3 to 5 Madius was invited as a keynote speaker and forum guest by Sabah China Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Frankie Liew, and Tan Siew Ling, Vice President and Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee. When speaking about regional energy cooperation, he noted that ASEAN is currently at a critical juncture in its energy transition, and it is essential to strike a balance between power reliability, affordability and sustainability. He emphasized that China, as a global leader in energy technology and industrial development, can play a positive role in ASEAN's green development through its support in technology, investment and expertise. 'To achieve these goals, regional cooperation is vital. Collaborating with global leaders like China and engaging in exchanges of technology, investment and knowledge will accelerate our development efforts,' said Madius. He specifically highlighted Malaysia's proactive development in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its close collaboration with ASEAN countries in renewable energy as a reflection of its commitment to a sustainable and integrated regional energy future. He also stressed that through strategic cooperation, technological innovation, band policy leadership, Malaysia is playing a key role in driving the region's energy transition. 'China's breakthroughs in photovoltaic module manufacturing are poised to play a crucial role in the global renewable energy transformation,' he added. Madius praised the organization of the conference and extended his congratulations on the establishment of the China–ASEAN Photovoltaic Industry Cooperation Committee and the China–ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Committee. He expressed hope that these two mechanisms would effectively promote deep cooperation in key green sectors such as photovoltaics and new energy vehicles within the region. During the meeting, Madius introduced Sabah Electricity to delegates from various countries. The company is 83% owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 17% by the Sabah State Government, while Malaysia's Ministry of Finance holds a 1% 'golden share.' He noted that Sabah, located in East Malaysia, faces challenges in power grid infrastructure due to its unique geographical setting, but also holds great potential for driving green energy transformation. 'As the main utility company serving Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah Electricity currently serves over 700,000 customers. Beyond its power supply mission, it is also committed to promoting energy diversification and improving efficiency to accelerate the shift towards a sustainable energy structure, contributing to Malaysia's national vision of carbon neutrality by 2050.' He concluded by wishing the conference great success and expressed his hopes to work hand in hand with all parties to usher in a new phase of regional energy cooperation.
