Latest news with #AbdulNasser


The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
No need to worry, Sabah Energy Commission assures genset owners over inspection rules
KOTA KINABALU: Homeowners and businesses using standby generators (gensets) need not worry too much about new inspection rules by Competent Persons under the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024, says the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS). Many owners have raised concerns about being required to schedule regular visits by certified professionals, known as Competent Persons. But ECoS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid clarified that the requirement does not apply to everyone in the same way. He explained that installations using low-voltage systems and switchgear rated below 100 amperes, whether in homes, shops, or factories, do not need regular inspections by a Competent Person. Even for residential and commercial buildings using switchgear rated above 100 amperes but below 300 amperes, ECoS has decided that regular visits will not be mandatory. As for industrial premises, including petrol stations, the inspection schedule has been relaxed, from once a month to once every three months. Abdul Nasser said that for large-scale commercial and industrial premises receiving supply at 11,000 volts, the frequency of visits may be reduced from twice a month to once a month. For installations receiving supply from above 11,000 volts up to 132,000 volts, the frequency may be reduced from four times a month to twice a month,' he said. 'These adjustments reflect the level of risk involved — the higher the voltage, the greater the potential danger not just to owners and workers, but also to the public,' said Abdul Nasser. He said these changes are allowed under Regulation 72 of the Electricity Supply Regulations 2024, but stressed that owners must apply for reduced inspections. Each application will be assessed by ECoS officers to ensure safety standards are still met. Despite the relaxation of rules, Nasser reminded all genset owners that they remain fully responsible for the safety of their installations. For more information or assistance, owners can contact any ECoS office or visit the 'Talk2ECoS' portal at


Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
ECoS: Sabah on track to boost grid stability
Abdul Nasser KOTA KINABALU (June 25): Sabah is on track to reach a 25 per cent reserve margin by the third quarter of 2025, said the Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser bin Abdul Wahid. Since ECoS took over regulatory control in January 2024, he said Sabah's priority has been grid stability. 'We had to get our house in order,' said Nasser. Through fast-tracked interim measures, including 200MW of diesel and gas rentals and a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Sabah is on track to reach a 25% reserve margin by Q3 2025, with permanent gas plants due to replace those interim diesel plants by 2026–2027. Nasser said this on Astro Awani's Niaga Spotlight, themed 'Lighting Up Sabah – Energy Transformation, Equity and Opportunity' where he spoke with anchor Tehmina Kaoosji to share Sabah's journey toward a greener, more resilient and inclusive energy future. According to Nasser, rural electrification has reached 96%, with full access targeted by 2030. This is being driven by collaboration with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), Sabah Electricity and through an intervention committee mandated by Sabah Energy Council which is the Jawatankuasa Elektrifikasi Luar Bandar Sabah (JELaS), alongside renewable off-grid solutions and community-based operations. Sabah is also scaling up its renewable energy (RE) ambitions, 40% by 2030, 80% by 2050, guided by the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040). Over 600MW of projects, mostly hydropower, have been approved, with a further 2,000MW targeted by 2040. These projects aim to bring socio-economic benefits to indigenous and rural communities through training, jobs, and local business opportunities. On large-scale infrastructure like the Upper Padas Hydropower Project, he emphasised the importance of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), early engagement with relevant stakeholders, environmental protection measures, and fair compensation. Welcoming foreign investment, including from private firms, Nasser stressed the compulsory requirement for minimum value of local content and State Government-Linked Company (GLC) participation for energy projects in Sabah. He cited the success of LSS Sabah 2024 bid rounds conducted by ECoS last year, which attracted nearly 200 local bids and resulted in 15 awarded consortiums, as evidence of market confidence and strong governance. He also highlighted bioenergy as a 'hidden gem,' with over 800MW of untapped potential. Recent policy shifts, including biomass export restrictions and appointment of GLC aggregators, are helping unlock this sector, with more emphasis on methane reduction poised to attract premium green tariffs. On reconciling fossil fuel investments with climate goals, the CEO said a balanced approach is important for a just transition with natural gas serving as a necessary transition fuel to maintain energy security while RE capacity grows, aligned with NETR and SE-RAMP 2040. Human capital development is also a key lever to sustain all the development efforts which has been identified as being one of the enablers under the SE-RAMP 2040. 'Understanding its importance, ECoS has decided on another intervention approach through the TVET Angkat ECoS programme, whereby it is committed to upgrade vocational training skills and competencies including facilitating infrastructure needs, aligning skills with industry demand, and supporting local youth employability. With this effort, we are hoping more organisations and industry players will follow suit and do their part for the sustainable future of the Sabah energy industry,' he said. In closing, Nasser affirmed Sabah's potential to be a regional model for a just and sustainable energy transition through the integration into the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) starting with the soon to be completed Sabah-Sarawak grid interconnection by end-2025 and leveraging its central geographical advantages towards becoming the future key energy hub in this region.


Daily Express
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah charts green energy path at Energy Asia 2025
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 Text Size: Abdul Nasser speaks at the event. KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Commission of Sabah (Ecos) presented the state's energy transition roadmap at the recent Energy Asia 2025 conference, outlining key goals under the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040). Ecos CEO Datuk Abdul Nasser bin Abdul Wahid joined national energy leaders on a panel discussing Malaysia's sustainable growth and detailed Sabah's target of achieving 80 per cent renewable energy by 2050, up from its current 80 per cent gas dependence. Sabah's plans include Southeast Asia's largest Battery Energy Storage System (Bess) in Lahad Datu, operational by July 2025, alongside other projects to ensure a 25 per cent reserve margin by Q3 2025. Ecos, empowered by recent State energy laws, is also pushing for universal rural electrification, carbon neutrality by 2050, and improved reliability through strategic power plant development and interconnection with Sarawak. Despite tariff pressures and subsidy burdens, Nasser said Sabah remains committed to a just and inclusive energy transition, supported by investor-friendly policies and accelerating rural electrification efforts. * 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
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Comply or face legal action, ECoS CEO tells operators
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 Text Size: Ir Abdul Nasser further emphasised that operators who fail to comply with these regulations may face legal action, including fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years. KENINGAU: Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) CEO Datuk Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said compliance with legal requirements, such as obtaining Approval To Install (ATI) and Approval To Operate (ATO), is crucial to ensure the safety not only of business owners and their employees but also of the general public using services such as laundromats. He further emphasised that operators who fail to comply with these regulations may face legal action, including fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years. Advertisement He said this when officiating a Seminar on Gas Licensing Requirements and the Safety of Piped Gas System Installations, here, recently. The seminar focused on raising awareness among operators regarding the safety aspects of piped gas system installations, as well as compliance with relevant legislation and established standards. Also present at the seminar and delivering briefings were representatives from the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department and the Keningau District Council. The seminar also highlighted the importance of appointing a Competent Person or Person Responsible (OB) to ensure the long-term safety of business premises. This initiative by ECoS will continue to be intensified as part of its commitment to enhancing safety levels and preventing incidents arising from gas leaks, while also strengthening legal compliance across the industry. * 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
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
ECoS strengthens efforts to increase energy generation capacity in Sabah
Abdul Nasser and delegations from ECoS and Sabah Electricity, visit one of the power stations and energy development project sites. KOTA KINABALU (May 27): The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) has conducted comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of key energy projects in Sabah, aligning with its efforts to strengthen the electricity supply system in Sabah. Its chief executive officer, Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, accompanied by delegations from ECoS and Sabah Electricity, visited several existing power stations and energy development project sites located at the west coast of Sabah. Locations visited included the SPR Energy Power Plant, Kimanis Power Plant, Sabah Oil & Gas Terminal (SOGT), Tenom Pangi Hydro Station, and two new project sites in Kimanis. The purpose of these visits was to assess project progress, ensure compliance with safety and technical standards, and evaluate the operational efficiency of existing power plants that play a crucial role in the stability of Sabah's electricity supply. 'This close monitoring is vital to ensure all projects are on schedule and can increase generation capacity. Both of these new projects will contribute 200MW of energy to the grid upon completion,' said Nasser. He also emphasized that these efforts are part of the Sabah State Government's commitment to address electricity supply issues and strengthen the state's energy sector holistically, in line with the goals outlined in the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040). 'ECoS is committed to ensuring that every energy project in Sabah is developed and managed efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Close cooperation among government agencies, GLC companies, and industry players is key to the successful implementation of these projects,' he added.