Latest news with #PanglimaWilfredMadiusTangau
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Madius proposes new national councils for economic coordination
Madius KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 6): Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau has urged the Federal Government to promptly fulfil Sabah's constitutional right to 40 per cent of net revenue collected from the state, while also calling for the establishment of three new national councils to strengthen coordination in critical economic sectors. Debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, Madius stressed that the long-overdue revenue entitlement must be honoured in accordance with Article 112C and the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. 'Negotiations were already concluded in 1963 during the formation of Malaysia. As the generation entrusted with the legacy of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, we must now implement what was agreed. Why the delay?' he questioned. The UPKO Honorary President emphasised that this was not a new demand, but a constitutional right that remains unfulfilled, further warning that Sabahans must no longer be made to bear the brunt of poverty due to the continued failure to implement what is lawfully theirs. He noted that more than 80 per cent of the nation's RM1.3 trillion debt has been spent in Peninsular Malaysia, while Sabah, which contributes substantially to national revenue, continues to receive a disproportionate share of allocations. 'This disparity hampers Sabah's ability to develop key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock and basic infrastructure,' he said. 'If Sabah were given back the 40 per cent revenue as stated in the Constitution, we wouldn't have to keep begging for federal funds to build roads, hospitals, or develop our industries,' Madius added. He also cautioned that Malaysia's aspiration to become the world's 30th largest economy would remain a dream if the constitutional rights of Sabah continue to be sidelined. 'If Sabah prospers, Malaysia prospers. But if Sabah's rights continue to be denied, it is not only unjust, it also undermines the very foundation upon which Malaysia was formed. 'What we need is not more negotiations, but the political will to implement what is already enshrined in the Constitution, the highest law of the land,' he said. In the same debate, Madius also called for the immediate establishment of three national bodies – the National Agriculture Council, the National Fisheries Council and the National Livestock Council – to enhance coordination and policy coherence between the federal and state governments. He said the creation of these councils is crucial to align legislation, strategy, budgets and programme implementation, particularly in light of Sabah's autonomy in these sectors as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. 'The aim is to close the development gap between regions, especially for Sabah, which has immense potential but remains left behind due to poor policy alignment and lack of federal support,' he stated. Citing examples, Madius said Sabah, despite being the largest fish producer in Malaysia contributing 25 per cent to national output, has only one fish landing facility built using state funds. 'In contrast, there are 42 such facilities in Peninsular Malaysia, five in Sarawak and one in Labuan, all developed by federal agencies such as the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM). Just imagine Sabah's potential if we received the proper budgetary support,' he remarked. In the livestock sector, Sabah has already achieved self-sufficiency in eggs and fresh milk but remains low in ruminant meat production. 'With vast and suitable land resources, Sabah could increase output significantly if strategic support and adequate funding are provided,' he said. Touching on agriculture, he noted that rice production in Sabah continues to lag due to inadequate irrigation systems, outdated drainage infrastructure, and a lack of processing facilities, all contributing to lower productivity compared to the Peninsula. Madius further reminded the Dewan Rakyat that the proposal to establish these three national councils had been included in Pakatan Harapan's 15th General Election manifesto, and urged the government to now honour that commitment. 'This is the right time for the government to act on this promise, to ensure national food security and promote equitable prosperity for all regions,' he said.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
BIMP-EAGA Council urges fisheries devolution to Sabah under MA63
Dr Raymond (left) sharing the Tamparuli programme to Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau. Dr Raymond is currently implementing the programme to ensure Tamparuli can be elevated as productive district in Sabah. Both also discussed the importance of restoring Sabah's right in fisheries. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 3): The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Malaysia-Sabah Chapter) has reaffirmed its call for the full devolution of fisheries governance to the Sabah State Government as part of a long-overdue restorative justice process under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Ita chairman, Dr Raymond Alfred, made the call amid growing national and regional conversations about the need to realign federal-state relations, especially in the governance of natural and marine resources, which are vital to Sabah's economy and cultural identity. 'The devolution of fisheries power is not just a bureaucratic reform – it is a rightful correction of historical imbalances that have long deprived Sabah of full control over its maritime wealth. We see this as a restorative justice measure in line with the spirit and substance of MA63,' said Dr Raymond. Sabah's coastal communities, traditional fisherfolk and marine entrepreneurs continue to face confusion, double licensing, and weak enforcement mechanisms due to overlapping jurisdictions between federal and state agencies. Dr Raymond emphasized that the Fisheries Act 1985 (Federal), while applicable to the Excusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and deep sea, should no longer override Sabah's constitutional rights over its internal waters and adjacent seas. 'Sabah has both the institutional maturity and local expertise to manage its own fisheries sustainably and inclusively. What we need is the political will to return what rightfully belongs to the people of Sabah,' he added. The BIMP-EAGA Business Council sees the devolution of fisheries governance as a strategic pillar in the development of a Blue-Green Economy in Sabah. This includes sustainable fisheries, marine-based tourism, blue carbon financing, and community-led aquaculture. Dr Raymond announced that there is a need by the Sabah State Assembly to submit a formal policy proposal to the Federal Government, calling for amendments to the Federal Fisheries Act 1985, the creation of a Sabah Marine and Fisheries Authority (SMFA), a fair revenue-sharing framework and recognition of customary fishing zones. He urged state and federal leaders to view fisheries devolution not as a political demand, but as a constitutional and moral obligation. 'The time has come to match words with action. Restoring Sabah's autonomy over its seas is essential not only for economic empowerment, but for dignity, equity and the promise of a just Federation,' he concluded.
Daily Express
25-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Kiulu and Tamparuli projects not priority according to State EPU, says Ministry
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Madius requested clarification from the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) regarding the progress of the Mantob-Gonipis-Tobobon and Tudan-Poring-Tobobon road projects in Kiulu, as well as the Wangkod-Tinuhan and Guakon Baru road projects in Tamparuli. Kuala Lumpur: The Member of Parliament for Tuaran, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, raised questions regarding the current status of several road upgrade projects in the Kiulu and Tamparuli, Sabah, during the question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday. He requested clarification from the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) regarding the progress of the Mantob-Gonipis-Tobobon and Tudan-Poring-Tobobon road projects in Kiulu, as well as the Wangkod-Tinuhan and Guakon Baru road projects in Tamparuli. In an official response, the Ministry stated that the Mantob-Gonipis-Tebobon Road Project (Phase 2), which was approved in 2020 with a cost of RM40 million, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. For the year 2025, a total allocation of RM4.4 million has been provided, of which RM3.9 million has already been spent. However, delays have occurred due to the ongoing land acquisition process, which has yet to be completed, as well as weather-related disruptions caused by rainfall affecting construction work. 'The application for an Extension of Time (EOT) is currently being processed,' the ministry further stated. Meanwhile, KKDW also stated that the Tudan-Poring-Tebobon Road Project was approved in 2021 with an allocation of RM47 million. The six-kilometre-long project is currently at the initial stage of construction, progressing according to schedule, and is expected to be fully completed by 2027. However, the two other projects that were raised which is the upgrading of the Topokon-Wangkod-Tinuhan Road and the Guakon Baru Road in Tamparuli — were not approved by the Ministry of Economy under the Third Rolling Plan (RP3) of the 12th Malaysia Plan for the year 2023. 'These projects are also not listed as priorities by the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) in their upcoming development plan applications,' KKDW clarified. Madius said in a statement that he's disappointed with the delays and uncertainty around some key rural infrastructure projects in his area. 'These projects are not only vital for the well-being of rural communities but also crucial for stimulating the local economy. I urge the Ministry and the relevant agencies to promptly resolve the technical issues and to advocate for the approval of the projects that were rejected,' he emphasised. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Madius calls for stronger ASEAN-China energy ties to boost green future
Madius (centre) speaking on CHINA-ASEAN energy cooperation at the 2025 RCEP Member States Cooperation Dialogue. KOTA KINABALU (June 9): Sabah Electricity chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau called for deeper ASEAN–China energy cooperation to build a green and interconnected energy future. Madius, who is also a former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, made the call while attending the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Conference in Hefei, Anhui, China on June 3 to 5 Madius was invited as a keynote speaker and forum guest by Sabah China Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Frankie Liew, and Tan Siew Ling, Vice President and Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee. When speaking about regional energy cooperation, he noted that ASEAN is currently at a critical juncture in its energy transition, and it is essential to strike a balance between power reliability, affordability and sustainability. He emphasized that China, as a global leader in energy technology and industrial development, can play a positive role in ASEAN's green development through its support in technology, investment and expertise. 'To achieve these goals, regional cooperation is vital. Collaborating with global leaders like China and engaging in exchanges of technology, investment and knowledge will accelerate our development efforts,' said Madius. He specifically highlighted Malaysia's proactive development in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its close collaboration with ASEAN countries in renewable energy as a reflection of its commitment to a sustainable and integrated regional energy future. He also stressed that through strategic cooperation, technological innovation, band policy leadership, Malaysia is playing a key role in driving the region's energy transition. 'China's breakthroughs in photovoltaic module manufacturing are poised to play a crucial role in the global renewable energy transformation,' he added. Madius praised the organization of the conference and extended his congratulations on the establishment of the China–ASEAN Photovoltaic Industry Cooperation Committee and the China–ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Committee. He expressed hope that these two mechanisms would effectively promote deep cooperation in key green sectors such as photovoltaics and new energy vehicles within the region. During the meeting, Madius introduced Sabah Electricity to delegates from various countries. The company is 83% owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 17% by the Sabah State Government, while Malaysia's Ministry of Finance holds a 1% 'golden share.' He noted that Sabah, located in East Malaysia, faces challenges in power grid infrastructure due to its unique geographical setting, but also holds great potential for driving green energy transformation. 'As the main utility company serving Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah Electricity currently serves over 700,000 customers. Beyond its power supply mission, it is also committed to promoting energy diversification and improving efficiency to accelerate the shift towards a sustainable energy structure, contributing to Malaysia's national vision of carbon neutrality by 2050.' He concluded by wishing the conference great success and expressed his hopes to work hand in hand with all parties to usher in a new phase of regional energy cooperation.
Daily Express
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Banggi Island electricity supply challenge
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau Text Size: BANGGI Island, located northeast of Kudat, Sabah, is Malaysia's largest island, spanning 447 square kilometres. It is nearly half the size of the state of Perlis and home to approximately 30,000 residents. Advertisement Despite its strategic location and potential as a hub for rural development, the island is being confronted with a critical basic infrastructural issue affecting progress and in effect every aspect of daily life which is the availability of a stable and sustainable supply of electricity. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to lead a working visit to Pulau Banggi with a delegation of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) staff members from Generation, Retail as well as the Northern Zone management. The basic objective of the visit was to assess the real situation of the island's energy infrastructure and assess the scope of the needed upgrades. The observation during the visit will contribute to a report which is being prepared for submission and presentation to the Federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) in a series of important meetings this coming June. Advertisement Banggi island has been the target of rural electrification initiatives By the federal government through KKDW since 2009. As part of Phase One of the project, KKDW implemented the Rural Electricity Supply Project (BELB) in 2009 which was a hybrid solar PV–diesel power station as an initiative to ensure a reliable electricity supply system to the island's residents, who had long endured unreliable and limited power access. This hybrid system, which combines renewable energy (solar) with conventional sources (diesel), was seen as a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to relying solely on diesel. It marked a significant milestone in improving the quality of life for residents by providing 24-hour electricity. Later, in July 2011, the Second Phase of the project was implemented and successfully completed in January 2014. The project consisted of the installation of 1,000 kWp of solar panels and five diesel generator units with a combined capacity of 1,450 kW, complementing the existing 200 kWp system from Phase I. In 2015, the project was certified fit for operation and maintenance and subsequently handed over to Sabah Electricity to operate through a memorandum of agreement with KKDW. Under the agreement, all operational costs are paid by Sabah Electricity and later reimbursed by KKDW. And since there are 16 islands under similar operation, Sabah Electricity decided to privatize the operation and maintenance to a third party until today. As with any aging system which has been in operation for more than a decade, various issues have since emerged. Today, peak electricity demand on the island has significantly increased to as high as 932 kW during night-time hours—a significant increase from earlier years. Although the total installed capacity stands at around 2,600 kW (2,000 kW from diesel and 600 kW from solar), the system's actual performance is undermined by ageing equipment, degraded solar panels, failing battery storage systems, and outdated circuitry. For example, two diesel generators which were installed in 2009 are now experiencing frequent break down, largely because their operational lifespan has been exceeded. In its effort to manage rising demand, Sabah Electricity has taken proactive steps by dispatching two additional diesel generator units; one in 2017 and another in 2024. While this has provided temporary relief, it does not address the underlying problems of frequent breakdowns. At this juncture we think that a comprehensive system upgrade is urgently required to ensure long-term reliability. Therefore our visit to Banggi Island was not a mere tour of the facility; rather, it was also a fact-finding mission to determine immediate and long-term needs of the Sabah Electricity power generation Team led by the Chief of Generation Ir. Addie Ahmad. Among those who joined the delegation was YB Dato' Verdon Bahanda, the Member of Parliament for Kudat and his staff members whose insights and contributions were invaluable in contextualising the electricity supply situation. Other than Ir. Addie Ahmad, Sabah Electricity's Chief Generation Officer Ir. Addie Ahmad, I was also accompanied by the Northern Zone Manager Ir. Ts. Winches Maximillian Samuel, Kudat Area Manager Mohd Zulezwan Osman, and the Assistant District Officer (ADO) of Banggi Sub-District Jaslee Jaafar. Also present were local community leaders, who took the opportunity to give feedback and express the concerns and expectations of residents in their respective areas. Sabah Electricity is scheduled to present its initial report to KKDW on 3 June 2025, followed by a high-level meeting chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, YAB Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in Putrajaya on 26 June 2025. It is important to note that Pulau Banggi is one of 16 islands under the operational care of Sabah Electricity through the BELB hybrid energy system. Nine of these are located in Semporna, while six are in Sandakan. These are some of the socio-economic responsibilities that Sabah Electricity has to undertake in the form of national service as we do not make any money from this undertaking and yet we incur expenses in the form of overhead to manage, monitor and evaluate the current electricity supply systems. The tariff imposed in these islands is a mere 22 Sen per unit electricity, a far cry from the 34.2 Sen being imposed in the rest of Sabah. Centralised management under Sabah Electricity allows for more coordinated maintenance, better allocation of resources, and a higher standard of safety for equipment, personnel, and the general public. Our experiences in Banggi Island underscores a vital lesson: rural development is not just about building infrastructure, it is about maintaining it, upgrading it, and ensuring it evolves alongside the current needs of the populace. It is time we recognised electricity not merely as a basic utility, but as a powerful driver of rural progress. The people of Banggi Island and the other island communities across Sabah deserve access to reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy, just like their fellow citizens on the mainland. Investing in infrastructure upgrades in places like Banggi Island is not just a response to current demand; it is a forward-looking commitment to empowering communities and securing a brighter future for generations to come.
