KOTA KINABALU:The Sabah–Sarawak Interconnection Power Grid project will significantly strengthen Sabah’s electricity supply system, making it more stable, reliable and sustainable, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the project would also enable a gradual reduction in dependence on fossil fuel–based power generation, improve Sabah’s electricity reserve margin and boost investor confidence in the reliability of the state’s power infrastructure.
“Sabah deeply appreciates Sarawak’s willingness to serve as a strategic energy partner — not only through cross-border electricity cooperation, but also as a development partner in Borneo that shares common aspirations for the future,” he said.
Hajiji was speaking at the Energisation Ceremony of the Sabah–Sarawak Power Grid Interconnection Project held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.
He said such collaboration represents a major step towards realising the shared vision of the Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“By advancing cross-border infrastructure under the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), we are directly strengthening the region’s economic prospects. A resilient and sustainable power system will enhance domestic and international investor confidence, supporting growth in industrial, manufacturing and downstream sectors,” he said.
As Malaysia’s primary gateway to BIMP-EAGA, Hajiji said Sabah plays a strategic role in integrating Borneo’s power systems — enabling cross-border energy trade and laying the foundation for a more efficient and sustainable regional energy market.
He said the Sabah–Sarawak interconnection marks an important milestone, paving the way for future power links with Kalimantan, Brunei Darussalam and, eventually, the southern Philippines.
Acknowledging rising electricity demand driven by population growth, industrial expansion and rural development, Hajiji said meeting this demand remains a key strategic priority for the State Government.
“To address this, the State Government, through the Sabah Energy Council, the Energy Commission of Sabah and relevant agencies, has implemented a comprehensive phased strategy encompassing short-, medium- and long-term measures,” he said.
The approach, he added, ensures adequate generation reserve margins while strengthening the overall resilience and stability of Sabah’s power system.
Among the key initiatives currently underway and planned are the approval and development of new power generation projects under a diversified energy mix.
“These include gas-based power plants as a transitional energy source, alongside the expansion of renewable energy such as hydropower, solar, wind, and advanced energy storage technologies, including battery energy storage systems and pumped storage hydro,” he said.
He said the diversified approach aims not only to increase generation capacity but also to mitigate supply risks by reducing reliance on a single energy source.
Hajiji reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ensuring the energy sector develops in line with environmental sustainability goals.
“Guided by the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, we are prioritising renewable energy to reduce carbon intensity. These efforts are aligned with our climate commitments at both state and national levels, ensuring a greener and more sustainable energy future for generations to come,” he said.
He added that the Sabah Government remains steadfast in its mission to provide a stable and sustainable electricity supply to support the state’s development agenda and enhance the well-being of its people.
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