Latest news with #SabahEnergyCommission
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tenom Pangi hydro plant to boost capacity from 66MW to 427MW
Madius (right) reviews the operational flow at the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station. TENOM (May 15): Sabah Electricity is committed to increasing the electricity generation capacity at the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station (SJHTP) through collaborative efforts from all parties. Its chairman, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, said the government — particularly Sabah Electricity — has plans to increase the station's capacity from 66MW to 427MW, following in-principle approval from the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS). 'This upgrading effort is a key strategic step in ensuring the stability of electricity supply not only in Sabah but also in the Federal Territory of Labuan. 'It also aligns with our commitment at Sabah Electricity to strengthen the use of sustainable green energy and ensure a stable and resilient electricity supply for the well-being of the people,' Madius said. He made the remarks during the Re-Operation Ceremony and 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station on May 14. The event was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Works Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. Madius emphasized that the initiative forms part of Sabah Electricity's long-term strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He also highlighted the importance of expanding renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar and biomass to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly energy development. Addressing public concern, Madius clarified that the Tenom Pangi station is not the cause of recent flooding in Tenom, Beaufort and surrounding areas. 'For everyone's information, the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station operates differently from conventional hydroelectric stations that use dams to store water. 'This station applies the Run-of-River Scheme concept, generating electricity through the natural flow of the river without involving large reservoirs or dams,' he explained. The station diverts river water through a special tunnel to power hydro turbines and then releases the same amount of water back into the river, ensuring minimal impact on river levels. He added that although the Diversion Water Gate (DWG) structure at the station may resemble a dam, it is in fact a river flow control system. 'The DWG's primary function is to divert water for electricity generation. If river levels rise suddenly, Sabah Electricity opens the DWG to release excess water safely, thus preventing overflow and preserving the river ecosystem,' he said. Construction of the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station began in 1978 and was completed in 1984 with the installation of its final turbine. Located across the Padas River, the station operates with three turbines of 22MW each, providing a total capacity of 66MW. In October 2022, the station suffered major damage due to a landslide and mudslide, which severely impacted its civil structures and all three main turbines. Sabah Electricity initiated phased repair work, successfully restoring the plant, which resumed operations in April 2025 — contributing once again to the stability of electricity supply in Sabah and Labuan.
Daily Express
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Masiung defends RM1.2 billion Tongod cement plant venture
Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Speaking at his Hari Raya Open House on Sunday, Masiung was also questioned about supposed illegal logging, investor pullout and environmental risks associated with the plant. Kota Kinabalu: Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has dismissed opposition allegations surrounding the RM1.2 billion Tongod Cement Plant project, including that it is merely a cover to clear the forest for its valuable timber. Speaking at his Hari Raya Open House on Sunday, Masiung was also questioned about supposed illegal logging, investor pullout and environmental risks associated with the plant. On accusations that the project involves illegal timber harvesting, the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Vice President said the limestone extraction site is not a forested area. 'There is no logging taking place. The quarry spans 200 acres, not thousands as claimed. The project has undergone thorough environmental assessments, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure compliance with regulations. 'There are no investors pulling out. The project is proceeding as planned site clearing has already begun following the approval of the EIA,' he said. The plant in Kampung Kayawoi is expected to address the shortage faced by developers in Sabah once it is operational, said the Borneo Cement Sabah Chairman. He said there have been situations where developers and contractors had to queue and place orders up to two weeks in advance to secure supplies. He said the Sabah Energy Commission has agreed to supply the plant 40 percent of the electricity needed from Nabawan, while the investor has agreed to build a 26-kilometre access road to the site. He said Tongod deserves its own industrial boom after Sandakan and Keningau. He said the plant could source water from a nearby stream and a 26-km road is being constructed to support transportation needs. 'The plant is expected to produce 5,000 tons of cement per day, addressing Sabah's ongoing cement supply shortage an initiative the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'Local sourcing of raw materials would allow the plant to reduce cement prices by up to RM2 per pack. 'The project is subject to strict monitoring by federal agencies, including the use of green technology. 'We are committed to following all environmental protocols to minimise any potential harm,' he said. The opposition had criticised the project, saying nobody would build a billion-ringgit plus project deep in the forest which would require spending several hundred million ringgit more on road and other infrastructure and yet sell at the current market cement price of RM23 per bag. Masiung said the project, which is being developed in one of the poorest areas in Sabah, is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. He said the plant would contribute to long-term economic growth by improving local infrastructure and reducing dependency on imports. 'The plant will not only provide jobs but also improve roads, electricity, and water supply in the region. Addressing concerns about the lack of infrastructure in rural areas, he pointed out that previous resource extraction in the region or even agricultural efforts to elevate the people from poverty had not led to sustainable development. 'This project aims to address that gap. This is an opportunity to create meaningful development and we are committed to ensuring the benefits are shared with the local communities,' 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
Barnama
27-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Cement Plant In Tongod To Address Shortage, Boost Local Economy
KOTA KINABALU, April 27 (Bernama) -- The construction of a cement plant in Kampung Kayawoi, near Tongod, is expected to address the shortage faced by developers in Sabah once it is operational, said Borneo Cement Sabah chairman Datuk Masiung Banah. Masiung said there have been situations where developers and contractors had to queue and place orders up to two weeks in advance to secure cement supplies. The Kuamut assemblyman said the plant is expected to produce at least 5,000 tonnes of cement per day, significantly reducing the state's reliance on imports. "I expect the price of cement could be reduced by about RM1 to RM2 per bag," he told reporters after the Sabah media Aidilfitri gathering here today. Masiung said the completion of the cement plant is crucial to drive infrastructure development and boost the local economy, with the creation of an estimated 1,000 jobs for the surrounding community. He noted that so far, the project has received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, and site clearing is in progress. He said the Sabah Energy Commission has agreed to supply the plant 40 percent of the electricity needed from Nabawan, while the investor has agreed to build a 26-kilometre access road to the site. Meanwhile, Masiung refuted opposition claims that the plant's construction was being used as an excuse to harvest timber, stressing that the site is located within a limestone area, not a forested zone. He further denied allegations that the project's investors had pulled out.
Daily Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah and Sarawak ink MoU: Electrical, gas safety rules
Published on: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Hajiji together with Shahelmey and Julaihi witnessing the exchange of the MoU documents for Mutual Recognition of the ECoS-Sirim and Sirim-MUT Safety Labels for Electrical and Gas Equipment between ECoS and MUT Sarawak. Kota Kinabalu: Various initiatives have been undertaken by the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) for the development of Sabah and the wellbeing of its people, particularly in the energy sector. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said these include the launch of the latest version of the ECoS-Sirim Safety Label. He described the initiative as a proactive step by ECoS to safeguard consumer interests, including ensuring that only safe and high-quality electrical and gas equipment is marketed in the State. According to him, the label launch also led to an important programme – a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECoS and the Sarawak Government through its Utility and Telecommunications Ministry (MUT). He said this strategic collaboration is significant as it reflects mutual recognition of the safety standards for electrical and gas equipment, while underscoring ECoS' role in ensuring that products used by the public meet the highest standards. 'This also marks another area of cooperation for mutual benefit, thanks to the strong ties already established between Sabah and Sarawak through their respective regulatory bodies. 'I am confident that with this MoU in place, the market for quality and certified products will be expanded, benefiting consumers and traders in both states,' he said at the MoU Exchange Ceremony between ECoS and MUT Sarawak, as well as the Launch of the ECoS/Sirim Label and the Launch of ECoS TVET Adoption Programme held in conjunction with the ECoS Hari Raya Gathering at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Tuesday. Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, ECoS Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and ECoS CEO Datuk Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid were also present. The Chief Minister reminded the public to prioritise electrical and gas safety and to take product safety issues seriously, especially for high-risk items. He said the influx of various goods from abroad into the country, including Sabah, offers consumers a wider range of options and pricing. However, the safety aspects of these products must be given serious attention by the relevant authorities. 'As a government, we are committed and serious in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people. I want those responsible to continuously strive to enhance consumer protection, particularly in the area of product safety. The State Government supports and greatly welcomes the efforts taken by ECoS together with the Sarawak Government in the area of safety standards for electrical and gas equipment in both states,' added Hajiji. The Chief Minister is optimistic that the establishment of ECoS has opened a new chapter in energy sector management in Sabah. He said with regulatory authority mandated through legal provisions, ECoS must remain committed to ensuring an orderly and efficient development of the energy sector, which will support Sabah's economic growth and bring direct benefits to the people. * 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
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
S'wak confident in supplying 30 MW power to Sabah after grid project
KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak is confident its plan to supply 30 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Sabah will be realised once the grid project in northern Sarawak is completed. Sarawak's Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi confirmed that the grid project is nearing completion, with the final phase expected to be finished by the end of this year. 'We have signed a power exchange agreement with Sabah, and initially, we agreed to supply 30 MW of electricity, depending on the completion of the northern Sarawak grid. 'Once completed, we could increase the supply to 50 or 80 MW, depending on demand,' he noted. Julaihi was speaking to reporters after attending a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the Sabah Energy Commission and Sarawak's Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry, aimed at standardising the regulation of electrical equipment and gas appliances. He also explained that Sarawak intends to complete the Borneo Grid project before exploring the possibility of supplying electricity to the Philippines, a long-term plan that will require a feasibility study. Sarawak, he said, aims to become a key energy hub for Borneo, Malaysia and Southeast Asia in the future. On Feb 17, it was reported that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had asked Sarawak to supply its excess electricity to the southern Philippines via Sabah starting next year.
