Latest news with #AbdulNasserAbdulWahid
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah showcases energy ambitions at Energy Asia
Abdul Nasser speaking during the panel session on 'Energising Malaysia's Growth' at Energy Asia 2025. KOTA KINABALU (July 23): The Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur provided Sabah with a platform to highlight its commitment to the energy transition, showcasing the state's renewable energy ambitions and policy leadership, particularly in the power sector. During the conference, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Energy Commission of Sabah, Datuk Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, outlined efforts by Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia to harmonise clean energy policies, targets and infrastructure planning. The aim, he said, was to establish a more cohesive and efficient approach to nationwide power sector decarbonisation. In a session titled 'Energising Malaysia's Growth', Abdul Nasser joined a panel of national energy leaders, including Tenaga Nasional Berhad President and CEO Datuk Ir Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia CEO Datuk Hamzah Hussin, and Sarawak Energy Group Chief Operating Officer Ir James Ung Sing Kwong. The four leaders discussed how the region's journey toward decarbonisation must not compromise energy security, reliability, or affordability, which are key priorities for emerging and developed economies. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the conference, Abdul Nasser said the opportunity to speak at Energy Asia was valuable, as it allowed him to showcase Sabah's strengths and offerings in the renewable energy space. 'A key strength we want to highlight is our flexibility and efficiency in decision-making, which enables faster and more coordinated action,' he said. 'We also take pride in our business-friendly approach. Sabah is open and welcoming to investors, and we ensure that our processes are clear, transparent, and supportive of sustainable growth.' He added that beyond its renewable energy resources, Sabah aimed to support Malaysia's broader national agenda by contributing meaningfully to the country's energy transition goals. Another focus of the session, he said, was the need to build a resilient and interconnected energy network. Given its strategic geographical location, Sabah was well-positioned to serve as a central hub for regional interconnection between Kalimantan, Sarawak, Brunei and the Philippines, strengthening both regional energy security and cross-border collaboration, he added. Hosted by Petronas, in collaboration with Knowledge Partner CERAWeek by S&P Global, Energy Asia 2025 was held from June 16 to 18 and concluded with a strong call to accelerate an energy transition that is just, inclusive, and grounded in practical solutions. The event brought together more than 4,000 participants from 60 countries and 38 sectors, including policymakers, investors, innovators and energy professionals, to exchange ideas. Through over 50 dialogues across seven sub-themes, the conference explored regional collaboration to strengthen energy security, advance renewables, drive decarbonisation, enable technology transfer, and foster economic and social development.
The Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah poised for growth in renewable energy sector, says ECoS
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is well-positioned to advance in renewable energy, supporting the nation's energy transition goals, according to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS). ECoS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid ( pic ) highlighted Sabah's flexibility and efficiency in decision-making, business-friendly approaches, and strategic geographical location as key strengths. He noted that flexibility and efficiency allow for faster, more coordinated action, while business-friendly approaches make Sabah welcoming to investors. "We ensure that our processes are clear, transparent, and supportive of sustainable growth," he said. Beyond renewable energy resources, Sabah aims to support Malaysia's broader national agenda by contributing significantly to energy transition goals. A focus of the session was the need to build a resilient and interconnected energy network. "Given its strategic geographical location, Sabah is well-positioned to serve as a central hub for regional interconnection between Kalimantan, Sarawak, Brunei, and the Philippines, strengthening regional energy security and cross-border collaboration," he said. These points were showcased at the recent Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur, where speakers highlighted Sabah's commitment to the energy transition, showcasing the state's renewable energy ambitions and policy leadership, particularly in the power sector. During the conference, Abdul outlined efforts by Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia to harmonise clean energy policies, targets, and infrastructure planning. The aim is to establish a more cohesive and efficient approach to nationwide power sector decarbonisation. In a session titled "Energising Malaysia's Growth," Abdul joined a panel of national energy leaders, including Tenaga Nasional Berhad President and CEO Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia CEO Datuk Hamzah Hussin, and Sarawak Energy Group Chief Operating Officer James Ung Sing Kwong. The leaders discussed how the region's journey toward decarbonisation must not compromise energy security, reliability, or affordability, which are priorities for emerging and developed economies. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the conference, Abdul said the opportunity to speak at Energy Asia was valuable, allowing him to showcase Sabah's strengths and offerings in the renewable energy sector. Hosted by Petronas in collaboration with Knowledge Partner CeraWeek by S&P Global, Energy Asia 2025 concluded with a strong call to accelerate an energy transition that is just, inclusive, and grounded in practical solutions. The event brought together more than 4,000 participants from 60 countries and 38 sectors, including policymakers, investors, innovators, and energy professionals to exchange ideas. Through over 50 dialogues across seven sub-themes, the conference explored regional collaboration to strengthen energy security, advance renewables, drive decarbonisation, enable technology transfer, and foster economic and social development.
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
ECoS reduces mandatory genset visits for residential, commercial premises
Nasser KOTA KINABALU (July 3): The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) acknowledges the concerns raised by owners of standby gensets in residential premises regarding the requirement for periodic visits by Competent Persons as stipulated under the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. ECoS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid clarified that under current regulations, not all registered standby genset installations require periodic visits by a Competent Person. Installations operating at low voltage and supplied through switchgear rated below 100 amperes, whether in residential premises, commercial, or industrial, do not require such periodic visits. ECoS has also decided not to make periodic visits mandatory for low voltage registered installations in residential and commercial premises supplied through switchgear rated above 100 amperes but below 300 amperes. For industrial premises, including petrol stations, the frequency of visits may be reduced from once a month to once every three months. 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. This is due to the greater risks posed by any operational failures at such premises, not only to the owners but also to the workers operating the installations, occupants and the public. This decision is in line with the authority granted under Regulation 72 of the Electricity Supply Regulations 2024. However, any request for reduced visit frequency must be applied for and is subject to safety level verification by ECoS officers. Nasser emphasized that although exemptions and reductions in visit frequency are permitted, owners of installations are fully responsible for ensuring the installations remain safe. He also urged installation owners to contact ECoS offices or visit the 'Talk2ECoS' portal at for any issues or further clarification on this matter.
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
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah's energy sector sees promising transformation under ECoS
KOTA KINABALU: Just over a year since assuming regulatory control, the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) is beginning to see tangible progress in stabilising, reforming, and future-proofing the state's energy sector. ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid ( pic ) highlighted that Sabah's energy landscape, once plagued by supply instability and limited rural access, is now moving towards a more resilient and inclusive system. "When we came in, the priority was to stabilise the grid. We had to put the house in order before we could talk about transformation," Nasser shared in an interview with Niaga Spotlight. The turnaround began with urgent interim measures: leasing 200MW of diesel and gas generation capacity, and deploying 100MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS). These initiatives were crucial in preventing outages and restoring confidence. Sabah is now on track to achieve a 25% reserve margin by the third quarter of 2025, with plans to phase out diesel systems and replace them with permanent gas plants by 2026–2027. "Electrification of remote areas is another area where progress is accelerating. With 96% rural electrification already achieved, ECoS is collaborating with federal and state agencies, including the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), UPEN Sabah, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), and JELaS, to reach full access by 2030," he said. Nasser emphasised that innovative off-grid solutions powered by renewables and supported by local communities will be key. 'Electricity is not a luxury. It is a right. We want communities, especially those long left behind, to be part of this journey,' he explained in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). Under the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), Sabah aims to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 80% by 2050. So far, 600MW of renewable capacity, mostly hydropower, has been approved, with a total target of 2,000MW by 2040. 'These projects create jobs, build skills, and unlock business opportunities, especially for youth and indigenous communities,' he said, stressing that this green transition must benefit everyone. Major developments like the Upper Padas Hydropower Project will be guided by strict environmental and social safeguards, with early stakeholder engagement, environmental protection, and fair compensation at the core. Sabah's abundant bioenergy potential, estimated at over 800MW, is being positioned as a new growth area. ECoS is working on policies that cap biomass exports, encourage methane capture, and support Government Linked Companies-led aggregation, while introducing premium tariffs for green electricity. 'Bioenergy is a hidden gem for Sabah. It's sustainable, scalable, and it creates rural income,' Nasser noted. While ramping up renewables, ECoS remains clear-eyed about energy security. Natural gas will continue to serve as a key transition fuel, bridging the shift to a greener grid. Sabah's strategy supports both the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and SE-RAMP 2040, ensuring national alignment with local priorities. Through the TVET Angkat ECoS programme, the agency is investing in vocational training, aligning curricula with industry needs, and equipping local youth to participate in, and benefit from, the energy transition. 'We don't just want to build infrastructure. We want to build people,' said Nasser. Looking ahead, Sabah is poised to become a regional energy hub. The long-planned Sabah-Sarawak grid interconnection, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will enable cross-border electricity trade and support ASEAN energy integration. 'Our goal is to make Sabah a model of a just and sustainable energy transition,' Nasser said.
