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.
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