Latest news with #ECoS
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Hajiji's power solutions are in place
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]
Daily Express
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Electrical safety, energy efficiency usage
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: The programme continues the awareness campaign previously held in other districts including Ranau, Keningau and Kota Belud. KUDAT: The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) extended its electrical safety awareness initiative through engagement with community leaders from Mukim Dualog and Tiga Papan here. Its Chief Operating Officer Ridwan Saham said the programme is an ongoing initiative to reach out to communities, including rural areas, to share information and introduce ECoS' role in overseeing electricity supply and renewable energy. He pointed out the importance of using safety-certified domestic electrical equipment bearing ECoS-Sirim, Sirim-ST or Sirim-MUT labels to ensure user safety. The programme continues the awareness campaign previously held in other districts including Ranau, Keningau and Kota Belud. The Commission hopes community leaders will disseminate the shared information, thereby enhancing electrical safety and energy efficiency usage. Officially launched by Kudat District Officer Charles William Dabbi, the programme aims to provide exposure on electrical safety, efficient energy usage, compliance with the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024 and introduction to performance standards set by ECoS for Sabah Electricity through Guaranteed Service Level and Minimum Service Level requirements. In his opening speech, Charles said community leaders must stay current with developments, describing the programme as an important opportunity to enhance knowledge. He expressed appreciation for ECoS' efforts and urged all participants to relay the information to their respective village communities. * 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 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Enforce regulations according to ground situation, ECoS told
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Vivian said such a requirement is rather nonsensical, in view that most of the generator sets installed by private sectors here are mainly on standby, catering only to emergency use during power outage. SANDAKAN: Sandakan MP Vivian Wong urged the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) to act and enforce regulations according to current Sabah ground situation instead of copy blindly from the previous Suruhanjaya Tenaga's (ST) standard. Vivian, who is also DAP Sabah Secretary, made the call after attending a briefing by ECoS Director of East Coast Territory, Ir. Ts. Norice @ Mohd Nazrie Itom @ Marcus, Thursday. She said she received complaints from people who operate generator sets at their business premises or residences about the excessive frequency of inspection reporting required every month by the ECoS. 'For example, in addition to the annual generator set licence renewal, anyone operating a generator set with a capacity of not more than 600V will need to engage a certified competent electrician to inspect and submit a report to ECoS once a month. 'If the capacity of the generator set exceeds 11,000V, the owner will need to submit the inspection report four times a month,' she said. Each inspection report could cost between RM400 and RM500 per generator. Vivian said such a requirement is rather nonsensical, in view that most of the generator sets installed by private sectors here are mainly on standby, catering only to emergency use during power outage. 'Such requirement to submit multiple reports every month would most likely end up as mere paper exercise that resulted in added cost to the people. 'I am fully aware of the need to ensure a safe operating environment for generator sets installed. 'But, instead of calling for submission of inspection report multiple times a month, the ECoS enforcement team should conduct frequent random checks on those who are operating generators, and issue a heavy fine to those who are not complying with the requirement,' suggested Vivian. 'The ECoS is 'wholly owned' by the State Government since Jan 3, 2024 and as such, it should be carrying out its duty and responsibility according to the ground situation in Sabah, instead of just blindly copying every set of rules and regulations from its predecessor. 'After all, is it not the objective to replace ST with ECoS in the first place so that we Sabahan can decide what is best for our people?' asked Vivian. * 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 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Ensuring electricity for all: Chief Minister
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji (centre) witnessing the exchange of MoU documents between ECoS and UPPM. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) and the State Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure electricity supply can be channelled to all corners of the State. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the one-year MoU is in line with the role of Community Development Leaders (PPM) in delivering the best services to the people in their respective areas. 'This effort complements the State Government's initiative to ensure that the people in the State, especially in rural and interior areas, have access to electricity supply,' he said in a statement after witnessing the MoU signing at Menara Kinabalu. Sabah Electricity was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, while UPPM Sabah was represented by its Director Datuk Awang Kadin Tang. Also present were State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong and State Attorney General Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh. Hajiji said through the collaboration, Sabah Electricity and UPPM Sabah will be able to increase electricity supply connectivity, especially in areas that have not been covered, develop sustainable energy infrastructure and increase awareness among the people about Sabah Electricity's services and functions, including efficient energy use. 'This strategic collaboration between Sabah Electricity and UPPM Sabah will be the focal point for all matters related to Sabah Electricity services, as well as opening up job opportunities for the people of Sabah,' he said. Meanwhile, the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) continued its outreach efforts by organising an Electrical Energy Consumer Awareness Programme in Kudat, targeting community leaders from the Mukim Dualog and Tiga Papan areas. According to ECos COO, Ir. Ts. Ridwan Saham, the initiative aims to strengthen public awareness, particularly in rural areas, about electrical safety and efficient energy use, while also introducing the role of ECoS in regulating electricity supply and renewable energy in the State. He stressed the importance of using certified electrical appliances bearing safety labels such as ECoS-SIRIM, SIRIM-ST or SIRIM-MUT, to ensure consumer safety. This programme follows similar initiatives conducted in other districts, including Ranau, Keningau and Kota Belud. ECoS hopes the information shared during these sessions will be relayed by community leaders to their respective villages, thereby promoting safer and more efficient energy practices. The event, officiated by Kudat District Officer, Charles William Dabbi, included sessions on electrical safety, energy efficiency, compliance with the newly enforced Electricity Supply Enactment 2024, and an introduction to performance standards set by ECoS for Sabah Electricity, namely, the Guaranteed Service Level (GSL) and Minimum Service Level (MSL). In his speech, Charles highlighted the importance of community leaders staying informed and described the programme as a valuable opportunity to enhance their knowledge. He commended ECoS for its grassroots efforts and encouraged all participants to engage fully in the sessions and pass on the information to their local communities. * 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
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.
