Banggi holds biogas potential
Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025
By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Preliminary assessments indicate Banggi Island's potential to generate over 1.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually by converting palm oil mill effluent and other biomass by-products into biogas. Kota Kinabalu: BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC-Sabah) Chairman Dr. Raymond Alfred revealed its unwavering support for developing biogas energy infrastructure on Banggi Island. He said this strategic initiative aims to bolster sustainable energy security and foster inclusive economic growth in the region. 'Banggi Island, including Kudat and Kota Marudu, boasts a burgeoning oil palm industry, generating substantial biomass waste like POME and EFB…This presents a unique opportunity to transform Banggi into a model for rural renewable energy and agro-industrial development. I am eager to collaborate with Dato Verdon Bahanda, the Member of Parliament for Kudat, on this project,' he added. Preliminary assessments indicate Banggi Island's potential to generate over 1.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually by converting palm oil mill effluent and other biomass by-products into biogas. The clean energy source could power hundreds of rural homes and businesses, significantly reducing reliance on expensive diesel-generated electricity. Raymond further emphasized, 'This initiative aligns perfectly with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, promoting green infrastructure, robust local value chains, and sustainable livelihoods. It's also crucial for Banggi's long-term goal of achieving full district status, with energy self-sufficiency forming a cornerstone of its local governance and development.' The Business Council advocates for: A comprehensive feasibility study involving state agencies, palm oil stakeholders, and renewable energy experts.
Strategic public-private partnerships to expedite infrastructure investment.
Robust support from national bodies such as SEDA, MPOB, and the Sabah Energy Commission. Raymond highlighted that biogas development transcends mere technological advancement; it represents a transformative opportunity to create green jobs, enhance energy access, and empower local communities in one of Sabah's most remote yet resource-rich areas. 'With the support of the BIMP-EAGA Special Envoy Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, we are committed to establishing Banggi as a pioneering example of rural energy transition—benefiting not only Sabah, but the entire BIMP-EAGA region,' quipped. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Move may shut down charities: LDP
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 Text Size: Glenna expressed concern for small and medium-sized local charities, which lack the resources to handle complex tax compliance and could be forced to close. Kota Kinabalu: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) criticised the Inland Revenue Board's proposal to impose a surplus fundraising tax on non-profit organisations, saying it could force charity closures and harm vulnerable communities. LDP Women Movement Leader Glenna Wong in a statement, here, said the policy would undermine public confidence in charitable giving and harm the country's most vulnerable populations. She said charitable organisations operate fundamentally differently from businesses and should not be subjected to corporate taxation models. 'Charity is not business, it is built on public trust,' she said. 'Donations exist because people believe these organisations can deliver help more effectively than the government. 'Charitable surpluses often result from administrative delays in aid distribution rather than actual excess funds and taxing these reserves could disrupt critical assistance programmes,' she added. Glenna expressed concern for small and medium-sized local charities, which lack the resources to handle complex tax compliance and could be forced to close. She noted this would be especially damaging as Malaysia continues its economic recovery, with many low-income families and rural communities depending on charitable support. The party condemned the timing as heartless, arguing that the government should be supporting rather than taxing charitable efforts during challenging economic times. She called on the Sarawak and Sabah state governments to protect their local non-profits by formally opposing the Federal proposal and considering State-level protective measures. 'The progress of a government is not measured solely by GDP growth, but by how it treats those who serve others,' she said, urging civic groups and citizens to unite against the proposal. * 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 hours ago
- Daily Express
Madani Rahmah Sales allocation doubled to RM600 million
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR: The allocation for the Madani Rahmah Sales programme has been doubled to RM600 million this year, compared to RM300 million previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said the increased funding would enable more frequent sales and an expanded number of locations across all 600 state constituencies. "This also includes a wider variety of goods to provide more choices for the people," he said in his special announcement for Malaysians streamed live on national televisions and social media platforms today Anwar added that grassroots Madani initiatives would continue to be intensified, in line with the government's emphasis on community-level efforts that directly benefit the public. Under the Sejati Madani programme, up to RM100,000 is channelled to each community, giving them the autonomy to plan and implement income-generating activities. To date, the programme has supported more than 8,600 community-based economic projects at the village level. Anwar also highlighted the expansion of the Madani Adopted Village initiative, which has grown from 40 participating villages to 200 this year. In addition, the government has launched the Madani Adopted School programme to help ensure children receive quality education. The initiative aims to adopt 1,000 schools by the end of this year, following overwhelming support, particularly from the corporate sector * 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 hours ago
- Daily Express
Ron95 price lowered to RM1.99 per litre after targeted subsidy, people will not be affected: PM
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the price of Ron95 petrol will drop following the planned targeting of fuel subsidies, thus giving assurances that the rakyat will not be affected. 'When the Ron95 targeted subsidy is implemented, Malaysians will enjoy a lower Ron95 price of RM1.99 per litre. 'This will certainly benefit around 18 million car drivers and motorcyclists including youths as young as 16 years old and gig workers,' he said in a special message themed Penghargaan Untuk Rakyat Malaysia today Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the government remained committed to the Ron95 petrol targeted subsidy plan with details to be announced by the end of September 2025. He said the government was committed to targeting the country's subsidy expenditure with the rakyat continuing to enjoy the subsidy while addressing leakage to those who do not qualify. Taking the example of the restructuring of electricity tariffs which has been in effect since July 2025, Anwar said there are irresponsible parties claiming that the people's electricity bills have increased following the restructuring. In fact, 85 per cent of domestic consumers enjoyed a reduction of up to 14 per cent in electricity bills in July 2025 for the same usage compared to the first half of 2025. 'This targeted approach is in line with the government's efforts to optimise national resources for the benefit of the people, and reduce wastage on subsidies,' he said. The Prime Minister said that for 2023 and 2024, the Ron95 subsidy alone cost almost RM20 billion per year. Although global oil prices had declined this year, the price of Ron95 petrol without subsidy was still around RM2.50 per litre. * 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
