SANDAKAN: The district could emerge as one of the towns with the lowest electricity interruption rates and among the most stable power supply performers in Sabah if the downward trend in the System Average Interruption Duration Index (Saidi) meets its target by 2030.
Tanjung Papat Assemblyman Alex Thien Ching Qiang said the total duration of power interruptions had declined to 73 minutes in 2025 from 97 minutes in 2024, with a revised Saidi target of 50 minutes for the district by 2030.
“If this improvement momentum can be sustained, the district has the potential to be recorded as one of the areas with the lowest electricity interruption rates and the most stable supply performance in Sabah,” he said.
Alex made the remarks in a media statement after attending a meeting to discuss electricity infrastructure and supply issues at the Sabah Electricity (SE) Sandakan Area office, recently.
He said SE had presented reports on electricity generation capacity and consumption.
“Based on the data presented, the district currently has about 68,000 registered consumers, with sufficient generation capacity supported by the transmission and distribution network,” he said.
Overall, Alex said electricity supply operations in the area are currently stable.
However, with ongoing urban development and population growth, continuous efforts are required to improve and upgrade existing electrical infrastructure.
“All electrical equipment, including cables, transformers, and distribution networks, need comprehensive upgrading to prevent failures due to ageing assets, which could trigger sudden supply disruptions and affect daily life,” he added.
Alex explained that, according to SE’s briefing, ageing network assets currently being upgraded in phases are the main cause of power interruptions, followed by excessive load demand and illegal electricity usage.
“To address these issues, SE has implemented various short- and medium-term initiatives, including the replacement of bare conductors with insulated cables (AAC-ABC), distribution automation for faster supply restoration, and strengthening the low-voltage system (MSVR),” he said.
He also noted that SE has introduced a new procedure requiring electricity meters to be installed outside consumers’ premises.
This move aligns with the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024 and relevant technical specifications, allowing accurate meter readings and replacement of faulty meters without disrupting consumer convenience.
Alex further highlighted the importance of the “Southern Link” project, a high-voltage transmission line initiative intended to connect the West Coast grid, interior areas, and the East Coast of Sabah, allowing electricity to be distributed across regions.
The project, being implemented in phases until 2032, is considered critical infrastructure for improving overall supply stability.
“If realised, it will enable support from other areas in the event of a disruption, reducing the risk of large-scale outages,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alex said a formal request was also submitted to SE during the meeting regarding proposals to increase generation capacity to meet demand on Sabah’s East Coast.
“SE will raise the proposal with the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) for detailed discussions on the next course of action to further improve electricity supply stability in the area,” he said.
Six Warisan assemblymen from Sandakan who attended the meeting will bring the matter to the State and Federal Government levels for further action and follow-up.
Alex also reminded the public that SE provides several official complaint channels, including the 15444 hotline or 088-515000, WhatsApp (019-8525427), email at careline@sesb.com.my, and the Sabah Electricity mobile application for issues related to supply, billing and services.
Consumers may also refer to the Electricity Supply Application Handbook (Esah), recently launched on SE’s website at
www.sesb.com.my.
