NGO disputes ‘no local expertise’
Published on: Friday, May 31, 2024
Chua and Chan
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Green Energy Association (GENS), its support for the decision by the Sabah Cabinet to allow shophouses, buildings and residential premises to install solar power systems without seeking approval from SESB.
This move aims to alleviate the power demand in Sabah, as announced by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on April 18, 2024.
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Ina statement, Wednesday, its President Edward Chua said GENS also welcomed the approval of the My Second Home program (SBH-MM2H) with a requirement for SBH-MM2H agents to be from local Sabah companies.
GENS emphasized the importance of incorporating the “Sabah First Policy” in the SBH-MM2H program and urged the Chief Minister to extend this policy to the registration of Solar PV Contractors in Sabah under ECoS,@.
The association’s new appointed aevisor David Chan said the association raised concerns over the acceptance of non-Sabah companies, particularly Malaya-based Solar PV Contractors, by ECoS, where a significant number of registrations were from non-local entities.
Our report on May 29.
He said GENS highlighted its protest against ECoS’s open-door policy for non-Sabah companies to register as Solar PV Contractors, which contradicts the “Sabah First Policy.”
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Both Edward and David said association emphasized that Sabah possesses the necessary expertise and capacity, with nine Sabah companies previously registered with SEDA as PV Service Providers.
Hence, they urged the government to reconsider its open-door policy and maintain consistency in implementing the “Sabah First Policy” to prioritize local Sabahan interests.
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In response to ECoS’s defense of hiring peninsula firms for the Saba Solar Plant due to a lack of local expertise, GENS reiterated its stance on Sabah’s capability to handle solar contract works without the need for external contractors.
The association urged the government to reevaluate its policies and ensure that local expertise and opportunities are prioritized in the renewable energy sector.
GENS’s advocacy for the implementation of the “Sabah First Policy” in the registration of Solar PV Contractors underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth within the region.
The organisation’s efforts aim to safeguard the interests of Sabahan stakeholders and promote sustainable development in the renewable energy sector.
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