Latest news with #AhmadRizal
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Strategic location, abundant natural resources fuel Sabah's renewable energy development
KOTA KINABALU: The growth of renewable energy in Sabah is not just an aspiration but a step forward towards reality, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd group CEO Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahli said. He said Sabah is strategically located near several rapidly growing regional economies, giving the state the potential to tap into new market opportunities and benefit from spillover effects – especially with its close proximity to emerging economic hubs like Indonesia' Nusantara. 'With Sabah's abundance of natural resources – especially its high solar radiation levels – it holds enormous potential for renewable energy development. 'In fact, the state could generate up to 99.4GW from solar PV alone, making it a promising player in shaping sustainable energy solutions for the future,' he told delegates at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025 held last week. Ahmad Rizal said the synergy between public and private sectors, regulators and investors, and innovators and implementers is essential. 'Looking ahead, it is essential to foster collaboration that leverages the strengths of all stakeholder groups – from financial institutions and technology providers to regulators and asset developers. 'To achieve this, we recognise that green financing, sustainable investment models, and ESG-aligned capital flows are no longer optional – they are key drivers of future growth,' he said. Ahmad Rizal said renewable energy goes beyond just power generation and infrastructure – it's about uplifting communities, creating quality jobs, and building resilience across Sabah, especially among rural and indigenous populations. 'To us, partnerships reflect the significant collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve a collective goal to drive the change within Sabah's renewable energy industry. 'Let today be the start of stronger collaboration and bold, forward-thinking ideas. Together, we must commit to building a Sabah that stands out in Malaysia's clean energy future. 'This is no longer a choice – it's a necessity. Each of us has a role to play in protecting our environment while still creating economic opportunities,' Ahmad Rizal said. Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) group CEO Arshad Mohamed Ismail said Sabah has long been a key contributor to Malaysia's economy. However, the state's energy sector faces significant challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. He said electricity supply remains constrained, as reflected in Sabah's lower reserve margin compared to that of Peninsular Malaysia, underscoring the urgent need to expand generation capacity. 'The situation is further compounded by the state's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with 86% of power generation currently dependent on natural gas – a resource that is finite in the long term. 'Despite having an estimated 101GW of renewable energy potential, particularly in hydro, solar, and biomass, only 7.3% of Sabah's current energy mix is derived from renewable sources. 'This highlights the need for the state to move towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions,' he said. Arshad said the launch of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 sets a bold vision for reliable, affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy by 2040. With targets like 50% renewable capacity by 2035, full rural electrification by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050, success will require strong public-private partnerships and significant investment. 'At MARC, we envision ourselves as Sabah's key partner in transforming today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities. Our primary focus is on enabling a secure and sustainable energy future for Sabah by providing professional financial expertise to support these critical transitions. 'MARC is able to provide rigorous assessments of renewable energy projects. By meticulously rating green and sustainability-linked bonds and sukuk, we reinforce investor confidence and validate Sabah's strong AAA domestic credit profile. 'This robust foundation is essential to unlocking the capital required for large-scale renewable energy projects,' he said. Arshad said MARC remains committed to supporting Sabah's renewable energy aspirations through its expertise in credit ratings, green financing, and investment facilitation.
Daily Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah's proximity to Nusantara offers major renewable energy potential: QSB CEO
Published on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Apr 24, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who officiates Sarec 2025, with the organisers. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's strategic proximity to several rapidly growing regional economies—most notably Indonesia's emerging capital of Nusantara—offers the State significant market opportunities and positive spill-over effects, said Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB) Group CEO Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahli. Complemented by rich natural resources ideal for renewable-energy adoption, he said Sabah is poised to model sustainable solutions. 'With some of the highest solar-irradiation levels in Malaysia, we have the potential to generate up to 99.4 GW of photovoltaic power—an opportunity we must seize,' he said at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference (Sarec) 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality held here Thursday. Ahmad Rizal emphasised that no single organisation can realise this ambition alone. 'Sarec 2025 serves as a vital platform to harmonise our efforts—whether in policy development, infrastructure investment, technology innovation or financing mechanisms.' He called for synergy between public and private sectors, regulators and investors, and innovators and implementers, stressing that each stakeholder has a unique role, from financial institutions and technology providers to regulators and asset developers. Looking ahead, he noted that green financing, sustainable investment models and ESG-aligned capital flows are no longer optional but fundamental pillars of future growth in Sabah's renewable-energy sector. 'Equally important is our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 'As we push the boundaries of what is technologically and economically possible, our progress must also be socially just and equitable.' 'Renewable energy is not just about electrons and infrastructure—it is about empowering communities, creating quality jobs and fostering resilience across every corner of Sabah, including our rural and indigenous populations,' he said. Founded in April 1995 as Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd under the Sabah Finance Ministry, Qhazanah Sabah Berhad was established to act as the State Government's strategic investment arm, ensuring that Sabah's interests remain uncompromised. 'Over the past three decades, we have diversified into strategic sectors, aligning our investments with the State's long-term goals and global best practices,' said Ahmad Rizal, noting that collaboration with fellow government-linked companies strengthens Sabah's economic ecosystem amid shifting global and regional demands. He explained that organising Sarec 2025 reflects QSB's core value of collaboration and its collective commitment—with public and private stakeholders—to facilitate knowledge sharing and drive the growth of Sabah's renewable-energy industry. Ahmad Rizal acknowledged Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC) as a strategic partner and co-organiser. 'Without MARC's initiative, Sarec 2025 would not have been possible. Their leadership has enabled deeper collaboration among GLCs and industry partners. 'Let today mark the beginning of deeper collaborations and bold ideas. "May we leave this conference not only more informed but more proactive—and commit, together, to building a Sabah that shines brightly in Malaysia's clean-energy future, preserving our home without compromising economic opportunity,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
