KOTA MARUDU: In a move to address Sabah’s electricity woes, a focus group is being formed to monitor and advise on the implementation of electricity supply projects in the state, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili.
Dr Ongkili said the focus group, to be chaired by his deputy, Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid, would include representatives from the Energy Commission, Tenaga Nasional, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and related agencies, as well as seven Barisan Nasional backbenchers from component parties in Sabah.
“The focus group will study, monitor and advise on the planning and implementation of electricity supply projects in Sabah and report to me as minister,” he told delegates at the PBS Tandek division’s 28th annual general meeting yesterday.
Also present were PBS vice president and state Rural Development Minister, Datuk Radin Malleh, Tandek assemblywoman Anita Baranting and several party leaders.
The terms of reference of the focus group include; to monitor closely the development and implementation of power generation, transmission and distribution projects, particular those approved under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, as well as electricity tariff and SESB’s turnaround.
The other agencies that will be roped in include the Economic Planning Unit and Public Private Cooperation Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, Finance Ministry, Infrastructure Division of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Sabah State Economic Planning Unit and Sustainable Energy Development Authority.
“The government is committed to addressing the electricity woes in Sabah and the formation of the focus group will step up the efforts,” he said, adding that the problem was more critical in areas such as Tawau, Sandakan and interior towns.
However, various measures would be in place within the next three years, which are expected to ensure sufficient electricity supply for Sabah for the next decade.
Sabah’s installed electricity capacity is at 1,344MW and available capacity is about 1,100MW while demand is at 870 to 950MW, with a reserve of between 20 and 100 MW. The available capacity is lower than the installed capacity due to contingency for planned power outage and forced outage.
Dr Ongkili, who is also PBS deputy president and PBS Tandek division chief, said at times the measures received public objections which hampered government efforts.
“For us to address Sabah’s electricity woes, every party has to cooperate and be rational,” he said
Dr Ongkili, who is Kota Marudu member of parliament, in his policy speech, also said that the loss of the Matunggong state seat during the recent election should give members a renewed spirit to continue and heighten their struggle for the people.
He said development in terms of economic activities, education and social development would continue to be the key focus in the parliamentary constituency.
As such, Dr Ongkili announced the formation of the Kota Marudu development council to be chaired personally by himself and to comprise key government agencies such as IDS and EPU, professionals, business people and non-governmental organisations.
“The Kota Marudu Development Council will focus on the education, infrastructure and social development in Kota Marudu in line with our goals to develop Kota Marudu and its people. It will identify problems in these areas and find ways to address them towards ensuring our path towards progress for Kota Marudu is not hampered by issues and bottlenecks,” he said.