By JOHN TAMBANAN
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor stressed that the State Government will continue to prioritise efforts to strengthen the energy sector as one of Sabah’s strategic development agendas.
“We not only need to ensure that the electricity supply is always adequate and reliable, but we also need to develop an energy system that is more efficient, more sustainable and able to benefit future generations.
“For that reason, the State Government has set the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE RAMP 2040) as the strategic direction for the development of Sabah’s energy sector.
“This plan is a guide for efforts to strengthen energy security, diversify energy sources, increase the use of renewable energy and ensure that energy development continues to support the state’s economic aspirations.
“This effort is taken to ensure that Sabah’s electricity supply remains adequate, stable and reliable and affordable in line with the state’s energy transition aspirations,” he said at the launch ceremony of Tenaga Lestari Rakyat Sabah at Pacific Sutera here yesterday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I/Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam. The opening ceremony was officiated by His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Musa Aman.
The Chief Minister congratulated the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) for its continued commitment in driving the development of the state’s energy sector through a progressive, far-sighted approach based on the interests of the people.
“Today we are witnessing another important step in realising these aspirations through the launch of the Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP) and the Sabah People’s Solar Programme.
Hajiji also sees the various initiatives that are taking place today as an ecosystem that complements each other.
“The recognition of solar projects, the implementation of Government Lead by Example, collaboration with training institutions, entrepreneur development through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institut Keusahawanan Negara Berhad (INSKEN) INSKEN as well as the implementation of corporate social responsibility programmes reflect that sustainable energy development requires the participation of all parties,” he said.
At the same time, he said the State Government wants to see energy used more prudently and efficiently in every sector.
“We want more Sabahans to have the opportunity to participate in the use of renewable energy. We also want to create an environment that encourages innovation, investment and development of the energy industry that is able to add value to the state’s economy.
“The energy transition is not just technology-related. It is a transformation that involves policy, investment, human capital development, research, innovation and close cooperation between government, industry, educational institutions and society.
“This kind of collaboration is very important to ensure that every policy introduced can be implemented effectively and benefit the people,” he said.
Hajiji said in an effort to accelerate the state’s economic development, the State Government would continue to ensure that the energy sector grows in a planned, sustainable and resilient manner.
“To that end, we will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, ECoS, industry players, investors, financial institutions, the private sector and all stakeholders to ensure that Sabah has an energy system that is capable of supporting the state’s development for decades to come,” he said.
Tun Musa Aman accompanied by Joachim (third left), ECoS Chairman Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili (third right), and ECoS CEO Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid (second right), doing the launching gimmick.
