Sarawak power supply only a quick fix: Liberal Democratic Party
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 Text Size: Chin said Sabah's current energy infrastructure is outdated and unable to support emerging sectors like electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and smart agriculture. Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party President Datuk Chin Su Phin welcomed the Federal's efforts to address Sabah's power shortages but cautioned that relying on electricity imports from Sarawak is only a temporary fix and not a sustainable solution. Chin expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for exploring energy cooperation but said Sabah must prioritise its own long-term energy security. 'Sabah needs a robust, independent power system to drive its industrial, technological and agricultural growth,' he said in a statement, here, Monday. Chin said this in reaction to Sarawak Premier Abang Johari's recent announcement at the Asean Women Economic Summit 2025, where he outlined plans to expand Sarawak's role in the Asean Power Grid and boost energy production to 15 gigawatts by 2035. While acknowledging Sarawak's progress, Chin said Sabah must not rely on others for its energy needs. 'Let us accept help with gratitude but never surrender our right to build our own future,' he said.
Advertisement Chin said Sabah's current energy infrastructure is outdated and unable to support emerging sectors like electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and smart agriculture. To meet future demands, he urged immediate investment in high-capacity, clean energy solutions, such as combined cycle gas turbine power plants, particularly along Sabah's rapidly developing west coast. He proposed a two-phase plan to develop up to 2,000 MW of local power generation, utilising the State's abundant natural gas reserves. 'This will ensure stable, affordable, and sustainable energy for decades,' he said. Chin also raised concerns over why Sabah was only now being considered for energy assistance, pointing out that Sarawak has been exporting electricity to Indonesia's West Kalimantan for six years and is now preparing to supply Brunei. 'Why were we overlooked before? Sabah must not remain an afterthought in national energy planning,' he said, pointing out that while regional cooperation is beneficial, it should not come at the cost of Sabah's autonomy. 'Malaya and Sarawak will always prioritise their own interests. Sabah must take charge of its own future,' he added. He said that without urgent upgrades, Sabah's status as the region's lowest electricity tariff provider could be at risk. He advocated for gas-based power plants as a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to coal. 'We must plan for the next 20 years, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility,' he said. Chin urged Sabah leaders to set aside political differences and unite behind the goal of energy self-sufficiency. 'This is about economic dignity. We cannot afford to stay dependent on external aid,' he said, calling for the swift completion of the long-delayed Southern Link grid project to improve power reliability. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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