Hajiji's power solutions are in place

Daily Express

3 days ago

Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025
By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: ONE of Hajiji's first acts as CM was to reclaim the authority of Power Generation from KL. No such initiative was ever taken before he realised. Sabah would not be able to progress unless he could regain several rights for Sabah from the Federal Government. One of his top priorities was to reclaim the authority on power generation from KL. Daily power shortages, blackouts are not new. In fact, Sabah has been having power cuts and shortage since the 1980s, 40 long years ago! Sabahans, grinding their teeth, suffered blackouts almost daily. Small businesses were badly hit. Sandakan was the worst affected. Not one major investment for new power generation after 285MW gas IPP fully commissioned in 2014. IPP agreements were signed without Sabah's consent. Very serious under investment in power generation for two generations! Sabah's economy really suffered: Hardly investment came to Sabah for 40 years. Very serious economic setback. Like he regained the oil/gas rights, Hajiji retook power generation from KL with no fiery speeches, no blaming anyone, just get the job done. No blowing of trumpet when he got it back. ECoS was formed without fanfare. ECoS has been transforming Sabah's power generation since its inception! Thank God, ECoS has complete authority over Sabah's power generation now. Since ECoS has been formed, No more Delays in Approval for Power Generation. After Sabah's surrender of the authority to the Federal Government in 1982, approvals for new power generation could take up to 18 years or more in some cases. Cries of Sabah's power shortages were ignored and pushed to the back burner, given scant attention, no priority. Hajiji and his team must have burnt the 'mid-night oil' in negotiation with KL. Their hard work has paid off. The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) was formed on January 10, 2023. It fully took over the regulatory authority for power generation [including renewable energy] on 3 January 2024. In anticipation of Sabah's future energy needs, the GRS government has added the Ocean Thermal Energy Enactment 2024 on April 25, 2024. This amendment empowers ECoS to regulate activities related to Ocean Thermal Power Conversion (OTEC). A most forward-looking move! Instant Solution for Sabah's Power Shortage is Impossible. 4 easily understood reasons: First. Lest anyone has the urging to play the blame game, Sabah's power shortages have started more than 40 years ago. Sabah's power needs have been neglected this long! No quick-fix solution is possible. Second. Power generation requires massive financial resources and construction time. It is not like cooking cheap instant noodle. Third. Power generation is expensive. The ECoS plan is possible and Sabah government can now actively partake in its development because Masidi has put the Sabah's financial management in order. Revenue has been at an all-time high since Hajiji's take over. Now at RM8b, almost double from 2020. Fourth. Hajiji's successful economic restructure has produced investors' confidence in power generation. ECoS has Produced a Miracle for Sabah. No more 18 years of waiting for approvals! ECoS, formed on 3 January, 2023, took over complete regulatory control only on 3 January 2024. CEO Nasser, all engineers, and staff are all Sabahans. They have done an incredible job. Within less than 2 years, everything is in place that will solve Sabah 40-year-old power shortages. Nasser and his team have even got a roadmap that will give Sabah sufficient power beyond 2030. Most impressive is that ECoS has incorporated BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] biomass, solar and hydro to generate power in its master plan. 1 BESS is being installed in Lahad Datu. This is a new dimension for power generation for Sabah. Before, it was total reliant on diesel and gas. ECoS now also plays a pivotal role with state GLCs to strategize gas planning for power and industry needs. The attached chart is self-explanatory and reflective of the ECoS miracle, doubling present 1200 MW capacity. Hajiji's retake of power generation from KL is Pivotal for Sabah's Future. Several reasons: [1]. It is the first ever serious attempt to resolve Sabah's 40-year-old power problem, 40 years of economic doldrum. Soon, these 40 long miserable years will be over. Sabahans must have faith that the all Sabahan ECoS team under Nasser can and will solve this 40-year power problem. A new chapter of power supply is being unfolded now. Soon, when new power generations begin, Sabahans will begin to experience better lives. [2] ECoS plan has inspired investors' confidence. ECoS' master plan has played a indispensable role in Hajiji's strategy to attract massive investment into Sabah. Major foreign investors would not have shown interest or invest their billions in Sabah unless they have faith in ECoS' long term power plan. Sabah is a leading state in inflow of investment, implemented, being implemented and committed total RM58b. [3] ECoS' power master plan will have tremendous impact for all small businesses as constant supply of power will improve their business like never before. [4] For all Sabahans, we can live in better comfort. Babies can sleep in air-con comfort with no disruptions. For the rural folks, in situ solar power for individual kampongs is coming. Hajiji's Creation of ECoS for Sabah, How Important for Sabah's Future To sceptics, please consider these objectives of ECoS: [1] Energy Autonomy and Self-Regulation: ECoS is now the sole regulatory authority for onshore gas supply (since January 2023) and electricity supply and renewable energy (since January 2024) from federal bodies like Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) Malaysia and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA). ECoS has direct oversight of licensing, approvals, and policy execution, streamlining processes and potentially boosting investor confidence in the state's energy sector in Sabah. [2] Driving Renewable Energy Development: ECoS will increase Sabah's renewable energy mix. The target is over 50% capacity by 2035 and 80% by 2050. This will be in line with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). [3] Securing, Sustainable, Affordable, and Accessible Energy: ECoS' vision is to deliver secure, sustainable, affordable, and accessible energy for Sabah. [4] Providing Consumer Protection and Safety: ECoS actively undertakes initiatives to protect consumer interests. [5] Economic Growth and Job Creation, ECoS will develop a vibrant sustainable energy sector and will generate employments for Sabahans. [6] Attracting local and foreign direct investments. [7] Developing skills for Sabahans, especially young Sabahans in the energy sector. [8] Promoting regional corporation, especially Sarawak. ECoS has achieved most of its above objectives within its short existence. All these objectives, though will take a bit of time, will elevate Sabah's economic performance to the forefront once again. ECoS is Epitome of 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga.' Hajiji's Success Template for GLCs and Agencies. In addition to Hajiji's GLC successful templates, ECoS is an excellent showcase for GLCs and Agencies. Sabah can be great again when other GLCs and agencies follow their examples. No more Sabah's power problems falling on deaf ears. Sabah has complete control of our destiny in power generation. ECoS is the living testimony that Sabahans can solve Sabah's fundamental problems. We do not need to beg or run to others. ECoS has proven that Sabahans can do it, can do it fast, can do it better. With Nasser's all Sabahan ECoS team, Sabah has moved fast to solve the 40-year-old power problems. They have a sense of urgency to solve the power needs of Sabah because they are Sabahans! ECoS can approve power generation within months, not years, certainly not decades. In Nasser's all-Sabahan ECoS team, we can confidently say to ourselves 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga Baik Baik' WITH PRIDE. 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]