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The Star
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tangau steps down as Sabah Electricity chairman after term ends
KOTA KINABALU: Former federal minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has ended his tenure as chairman of Sabah Electricity (SE), following the conclusion of his contract on June 16. "To all friends, June 16, 2025, was my last day as chairman of Sabah Electricity. This means today is the eighth day I am no longer chairman," he confirmed in a Facebook post on Monday (June 23), noting that his contract was not renewed. Tangau, also a former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, served as SE chairman since 2023 and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, thanking the federal and state governments for their trust during his tenure. In a detailed post, Tangau explained his decision to take on the challenge despite warnings, acknowledging that SE, rebranded under his leadership from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), had long been viewed as problematic. "Many told me to stay away from (then) SESB, saying it could destroy my political career. But I accepted the post, not for prestige, but as a responsibility to the people of Sabah and Labuan who have long suffered from electricity issues," he wrote. During his two-year tenure, Tangau implemented reforms to enhance integrity, transparency, and service delivery, including initiatives that led SE to receive the MS ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System certification, making it one of only three GLCs in Sabah to achieve this standard. He also highlighted technological advancements such as the implementation of smart meters, the introduction of self-meter reading (SMR) in rural areas like Kiulu, and other digitisation efforts aimed at reducing billing complaints. Another significant achievement under his leadership was the reduction of the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) from 1,000 minutes in 2012 to 220 minutes in 2024, with some areas reaching single-digit figures. "Still, I must be honest, Sabah remains at risk. Our power generation reserve margin is below 12%, when it should be at least 30%," he warned, cautioning that the state could face rationing or blackouts if urgent measures are not taken. Tangau, who is the Tuaran MP and former United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president, recently launched the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Lahad Datu, touted as the largest in Southeast Asia, with a 100MW capacity designed to stabilise electricity supply on the east coast. 'We also successfully signed a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) with PETRONAS on June 30, 2024. The development of another new Gas Power Plant with a capacity of 120MW under a tripartite cooperation involving Sabah Electricity, PETRONAS, and Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC). Also, the restoration of the Tenom Pangi Hydro Power Station's operation in May 2025 after nearly three years of non-operation,' he pointed out. Tangau noted that the company's rebranding was necessary to meet the government's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 'This is also a sign of the company's commitment to greener, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy sources,' he said. He apologised to SE staff for his frequent calls and surprise visits, sometimes on weekends and late at night. 'I appreciate all your dedication. That is why I fought for workers' rights in the last Board Meeting I chaired. I hope this is not the end of all our efforts. Continue to work hard; this is a continuous struggle with no end. 'However, I would like to invite all parties to place their trust in our staff and the company. They have the capability. What they lack is simply trust,' he wrote. He also advised the public not to repeat the cycle of objections that had previously stalled key infrastructure projects, including the Kaiduan and Liwagu dams, as well as the proposed 300MW coal power plant. 'These objections have ultimately led to the electricity shortages we are experiencing today. Let us not repeat past mistakes,' he advised. Quoting a familiar proverb, he added, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' In the same spirit, he said, 'Sabah Electricity needs the support and involvement of all stakeholders, from leaders to users, to work together in securing long-term solutions and stability for Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.' He ended his post thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Finance Minister for entrusting him to lead SE, as well as Tenaga Nasional Berhad chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Majid, his deputy chairman, Board of Directors members, chief executive officer, senior management officers, SE staff, and stakeholders. 'I'm signing off,' he wrote.
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
MoU signed to boost electricity supply in Sabah's interior
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji witnesses the exchange of documents between Awang Kadin (left) and Yaakob, while others look on. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has welcomed a new partnership between Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and the State Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to boost power access across rural and remote areas. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the collaboration supports ongoing state efforts to extend electricity supply to all communities, especially those still without reliable access. He emphasised that the role of Community Development Leaders (PPM) is crucial in delivering this basic service and ensuring accountability in their respective constituencies. The one-year MoU outlines plans to improve electricity connectivity, promote energy awareness, and develop infrastructure while also creating job opportunities through local projects. SESB CEO Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar and UPPM Sabah Director Datuk Awang Kadin Tang signed the agreement during a ceremony at Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. * 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
The Star
08-06-2025
- The Star
Man electrocuted while plucking mangoes with metal rod
PAPAR: A 42-year-old man died when he was electrocuted after climbing a tree to pluck mangoes in Kampung Bambangan here on Sunday (June 8). Papar Fire and Rescue Station Chief Rozlan Osman said that following an emergency call via MERS999 at about 3:01pm, he dispatched a brigade of eight firefighters to the scene within seven minutes. "The victim is believed to have climbed the tree and used an iron rod to poke at the mangoes, before the rod came into contact with a nearby electric cable, causing the man to be electrocuted and rendered unconscious on the tree. "The firemen then proceeded to lower the victim using a ladder and rescue rope after the electricity supply was cut off by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB)," he said when contacted Sunday. The victim was confirmed dead at the scene by a medical officer before being handed over to police for further action. The rescue operation concluded at 4:29pm. - Bernama
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bersatu distorted facts over Banggi solar project - MP
Suhaimi KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has slammed Sabah Bersatu for politicising the hybrid solar energy project on Banggi Island, accusing the party of distorting facts to gain 'cheap political mileage.' In response to recent claims by Bersatu Sabah Women chief Rahimah Majid who demanded clarification from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the project, Suhaimi said her accusations were baseless, misleading and ignored the actual circumstances surrounding the project. 'Her allegations are not grounded in facts and are sensational in tone. They not only confuse the public but also expose Bersatu's lack of understanding regarding the technical details of the project,' Suhaimi said in a statement on Tuesday. Suhaimi clarified that the Rural Electrification Supply Project (BELB) for a hybrid solar system on Banggi Island had in fact been fully completed in 2015, long before Zahid assumed leadership of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). 'The project was handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for operation and maintenance. Any technical problems after the handover fall under SESB's responsibility — not KKDW's,' he stressed. He also noted that the villages named by Rahimah, Kampung Selamat, Pulau Tigabu and Pulau Balambangan, fall under a separate ongoing project: the Hybrid Solar System for Remote Islands of Sabah, which is currently 85% completed, with a delay of 349 days or 15 percent behind schedule. 'The KKDW Technical Division is in the process of terminating the contractor due to failure to meet both deadlines and standards. A follow-up site inspection is scheduled for June 16, 2025. This shows the government is taking clear and transparent action,' he said. Suhaimi also took issue with Rahimah's claim that the project was launched with great fanfare but later abandoned. 'That's a deliberate attempt to create a false narrative to distract from the real issue — the inefficiencies of the current state administration under GRS, which once included Bersatu,' he said. He further pointed out that the very projects now being criticised were initiated during Bersatu's own time in government. 'It is ironic. They inherited and implemented these projects, but now they want to blame others. This is not only irresponsible, but a complete embarrassment in terms of political integrity,' he added. Calling on Bersatu Sabah to stop 'barking from the sidelines,' Suhaimi urged the party to engage constructively and 'step into the arena to solve actual problems.' 'Sabahans are smart enough to see through political gimmicks. They know who delivers and who disappears when responsibility needs to be carried,' he said. 'Politics should be based on facts, not slander.' The Banggi Island solar project has recently drawn public scrutiny following concerns about delays and implementation setbacks in several remote villages. Suhaimi's remarks come as the federal government continues to monitor and enforce project accountability across rural Sabah.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Banggi solar project completed in 2015, says Sabah Umno leader
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah Umno leader has refuted claims by Bersatu regarding stalled solar projects in Pulau Banggi, labelling them misleading and politically motivated. Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the accusation by Sabah Bersatu women's chief Rahimah Majid showed a lack of understanding about the project's implementation. "This project was fully completed in 2015, long before Zahid (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) led the Rural and Regional Development Ministry,' Suhaimi said in a statement. Concerns were raised last Saturday (May 24) over stalled hybrid solar projects in Pulau Banggi, which remained incomplete years after their launch. Rahimah urged the Federal Government to explain the delay, stating that the failure has dashed residents' hopes of reliable electricity. Accessible by a ferry ride of over one hour from Kudat, the island hosts many coastal villages facing challenges accessing electricity and clean water. Suhaimi, also the Libaran MP, said the Rural Electricity Supply (BELB) Hybrid Solar Project was handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for operation and maintenance. He added that any technical issues since then fall under SESB's jurisdiction and said that the the villages mentioned by Rahimah—Kampung Selamat, Pulau Tigabu and Pulau Balambangan — are part of a separate initiative. This project, Hybrid Solar System Project for Remote Islands in Sabah, is 85% complete, with a 15% delay from the original timeline. "The ministry's technical division is terminating the contractor for failing to meet deadlines and standards," he said, noting a site visit is scheduled for June 16. "This shows the government is taking firm and transparent action on the delay." He said Rahimah's claim that the project was launched "in grand fashion" but is now abandoned was a baseless attempt to twist public perception. "What's ironic is this was a legacy project from their own time in government. Now they point fingers at others," he said. Suhaimi said Bersatu Sabah should stop acting like "a frustrated commentator barking from the sidelines" and focus on real solutions. "Sabahans are wise enough to judge who walks the talk and who only makes promises when in power, then disappears when it's time to deliver," he added.
