Latest news with #ElectricitySupplyRegulations2024
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- General
- Daily Express
ECoS reduces genset frequency inspections
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Vivian during her meeting with ECoS officers. SANDAKAN: The Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) has reduced the frequency of generator inspections in the state following complaints from operators and the public that the checks were too frequent and burdensome. Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee said the change was made after her meeting with ECoS on June 26. 'Following that meeting, ECoS Chief Operating Officer Ridwan Saham and several officers came to my parliamentary office to present the adjustments to the existing regulations,' she said in a statement on Monday. The revision is in line with the amendments under Regulation 72 of the Electricity Supply Regulations 2024, which introduced a new inspection schedule. For generators not exceeding 600 volts, inspections will be carried out every three months. For those above 600 volts up to 11,000 volts, inspections will be done monthly. For generators between 11,000 volts and 132,000 volts, the frequency has been reduced from four to two times a month. Vivian said the decision shows ECoS's willingness to listen to public feedback and to implement more practical and realistic regulatory mechanisms. She emphasised that the changes would ease the financial and administrative burden on technicians and generator owners, while still upholding safety standards. ECoS, however, stressed that regular inspections remain crucial to ensure safe generator use and to prevent incidents such as electrical overloads caused by malfunctioning automatic circuit breakers. 'Safety must remain a priority, but it's important to find a balance between safety and practicality in our policies,' Vivian said. * 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
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
30 stage protest in Sandakan, call for suspension of rule
Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: The residents holding placards protesting against the mandatory monthly inspection charges in front of the ECoS office in Sandakan. SANDAKAN: Some 30 residents here took to the streets urging the Government to suspend what they described as a potentially burdensome policy for households already struggling with frequent blackouts and the rising cost of living. The protest was led by Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, who said residents had approached him after receiving informal instructions or verbal notices suggesting they would need to appoint certified engineers to inspect their gensets monthly — at a cost of up to RM500 per visit — or risk non-compliance under the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. Advertisement 'These are not luxury items. People install gensets because of frequent blackouts. Now they're being penalised just for trying to get by,' he said. A quotation sighted by Daily Express showed that contractors were offering monthly inspection packages priced between RM400 and RM450 per premises — aligning with complaints raised by residents. The requirement applies to installations operating under 600 volts but drawing more than 100 amps, a threshold that may apply to certain residential homes. An ECoS letter dated Dec 17, 2024, confirmed that installations meeting this criterion must be inspected monthly by registered 'competent persons,' such as certified electrical engineers or supervisors, under the State's Electricity Supply Regulations 2024. In a clarification issued earlier, ECoS said residential users with low-voltage gensets below 300 amps would not be subject to monthly inspections. Only higher-risk commercial and industrial sites would be affected, with inspection frequency reduced from monthly to once every three months. However, Chong said residents remain unconvinced. 'People are still panicking, especially when they received the letter. What proof do they have that they don't need to pay for the inspection monthly? 'They want a formal written exemption — not just verbal explanations. Without official confirmation, contractors continue quoting and the fear continues spreading,' he said. Gum Gum Assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib, who also attended the protest, said the timing of the enforcement was off, given the already high cost of living and lack of consultation with the public. 'At RM400 a month, you're talking about nearly RM5,000 a year. That's not something regular families can absorb — it's too much,' he said. He also questioned whether the policy disproportionately benefits private contractors rather than the public. Resident Azahari Rangon said gensets have become a basic necessity in Sandakan due to frequent power outages and any additional costs would worsen the economic pressure on families. 'We're not using gensets to make money — we're using them because we have no choice. And now we're expected to pay hundreds just to keep using them?' he said. He warned that business owners, especially in the food sector, may pass the cost on to consumers, leading to a rise in prices for everyday items. Chong said many of those affected were elderly residents in decades-old housing areas with limited infrastructure and fixed incomes. ECOS, in its previous statement, said it only charges RM30 annually for genset licences. The monthly inspection fees, it clarified, are imposed by third-party contractors certified under ECoS regulations. While defending the inspections as necessary for safety, the commission said it is reviewing enforcement details — particularly for residential users — in light of public concerns. * 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
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
Daily Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Postpone imposing charges on gensets: Warisan
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Justin said in the peninsula the average duration of power outages per capita is 46.1 minutes, whereas in Sabah, Seda's target for 2030 is 100 minutes, which means the people would still have to wait for another five years. TAWAU: State Government should consider postponing the implementation of imposing charges on the use of electricity generators (gensets) at residential and commercial premises in Sabah, even though the policy is backed by legislation. This is because the cost of doing business in Sabah is significantly higher than in Peninsular Malaysia, as traders have to bear losses due to poor infrastructure. Sri Tanjong Assemblyman Justin Wong said the additional charge only adds to the burden of the people, who are already struggling. He compared the special treatment given to foreign investors in Sabah and questioned why local traders are not granted the same privilege. He said the Energy Commission of Sabah ( ECoS) had previously clarified that the requirement to register gensets is not a new policy, but part of the implementation of the Electricity Supply Regulations 2024 and the charges imposed include equipment inspection costs, efficiency testing, site visits and annual fees. Justin raised concerns about whether the Government truly understands the people's hardships before implementing such a policy. Advertisement 'Before enforcing such a policy, the Government should first ensure a stable electricity supply. Equipment damage and the psychological effects of prolonged outages should not be taken lightly,' he said. He said the genset charge policy should only be implemented once the power supply had stabilised. Justin said in the peninsula the average duration of power outages per capita is 46.1 minutes, whereas in Sabah, Seda's target for 2030 is 100 minutes, which means the people would still have to wait for another five years. 'This duration is still twice as long…Is this something the people of Sabah can accept?' Justin asked. He added that after five years under the State Government's administration, Sabah's electricity supply remains unstable. 'We can see for ourselves that last year, there were multiple outages across the state. This year, within less than six months, Tawau has already experienced three major blackouts. 'This not only affects the people's economy but also impacts their emotional and mental health,' he said. At the same time, he said the increasing resilience of Sabahans toward power outages is seen as a consequence of ineffective policies. 'Power outages have become so commonplace that people are resigned to being indifferent,' he said. 'This is one of the effects of an ineffective policy, that is, deep psychological impact that often goes unnoticed,' he added. * 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
