Bill on control of power supply a ‘game changer’
Published on: Thursday, January 04, 2024
By: Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
Additionally, Yusof is pleased the workforce at ECOS consists of local Sabahans with the skills, experience and competencies in operations, administration, as well as legal matters relating to the energy sector.
Kota Kinabalu: The approval to amend the Sabah Energy Commission Enactment Bill is a “game changer” which paves the way for Sabah to gain full regulatory control of power supply, says Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob.
The Sindumin Assemblyman said it was in line with the restoration of the State’s autonomous rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
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“Electricity supply problems in Sabah will be resolved in stages once an agreement is reached during the realisation process of the handover phase of the Electricity Supply Regulatory Authority in discussions between the Federal and State governments,” he said.
According to him, power supply is currently handled by the Malaysia Energy Commission, while Renewable Energy is under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).
“With this amendment, the Sabah Energy Commission (ECOS) stands ready to take control of the State’s power supply from the Malaysian Energy Commission and Seda,” he said, and expressed confidence ECOS has made all preparations needed to receive the new powers transferred from the Federal Government.
Additionally, Yusof is pleased the workforce at ECOS consists of local Sabahans with the skills, experience and competencies in operations, administration, as well as legal matters relating to the energy sector.
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“This Bill is unique in that two federal Acts are merged under the Sabah Energy Commission Enactment (Amendment) 2024. This will smoothen the implementation of policies and action plans of the State Government’s energy sector via ECOS which acts as a monitoring and regulatory body in a more holistic, effective and efficient manner,” he said during the special State Assembly sitting to debate the Sabah Energy Commission Enactment Bill (Amendment) 2024.
According to Yusof, this ability is crucial as it enables Sabah to accelerate the recovery process towards stabilising energy generation, delivery and distribution of electricity supply to ensure Sabah’s energy security for all districts.
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“This will bolster the stability of energy supply in Sabah for continuous development, as well as good news for investors looking to expand their operations here and contribute to the State’s economy,” he said.
He noted that more attention is needed to ensure the completion and regulation of power supply to meet the energy needs of urban and rural areas in the State.
“This is a new catalyst which will fuel an increase in productivity and bolster the proliferation of industries in rural areas which in turn will improve the livelihoods of local communities,” Yusof said.
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