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Budget 2026: Record funds for Sabah, Sarawak show govt’s MA63 commitment, says DPM Fadillah

UTS hosts OIC workshop on renewable energy transition

The 'COMSTECH-UTS International Workshop on Renewable Energy: Affordable & Clean Energy for All' (CURE-ALL) commenced at Universiti of Technology Sarawak (UTS), gathering experts from the OIC region and beyond. The three-day workshop focuses on accelerating renewable energy adoption through affordability, innovation, and sustainability. Sarawak's Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, highlighted Sarawak's leading role in renewable energy transition, with 70% of its electricity from hydropower and ongoing investments in solar, hydrogen, and carbon markets. Participants from several countries will engage in sessions on various renewable energy topics, including a field visit to the Batang Ai Power Plant.

Deputy Minister: Sarawak’s commitment to renewable energy remains strong

Sarawak reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy, aiming for 1,500MW of solar power by 2030 as part of its broader 10,000MW renewable energy target. Deputy Minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni highlighted milestones like the 50MW Batang Ai floating solar farm and ongoing feasibility studies for more projects. He emphasized Sarawak's diversified approach, including hydrogen, biomass, and hydropower, and encouraged SME and community participation in the growing renewable energy ecosystem.

‘Sustainability, inclusivity key elements in Sarawak’s regional renewable energy goal’

Sarawak is aiming to become a regional renewable energy hub by 2030, targeting a GDP of RM282 billion. Driven by its Sustainability Blueprint 2030, PCDS 2030, and Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), the state plans to achieve 10GW of installed energy capacity by 2030, rising to 15GW by 2035, with renewables comprising at least 60% of the energy mix. This initiative is projected to attract RM350-430 billion in investments and create 44,000 jobs, focusing on hydropower and expanding regional interconnections with areas like West Kalimantan, Sabah, and Brunei.

275kV Kolopis–Segaliud transmission line restored

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has fully restored the 275kV Kolopis-Segaliud transmission line after a landslide caused a tower collapse on September 13. The first line was reconnected on September 17, restoring power to Sabah's east coast. The second line was successfully energized on September 21. SESB CEO Datuk Mohd Yaakob Hj Jaafar praised the technical team's dedication and acknowledged the collaboration with the Sabah State Government, contractors, and stakeholders.

Three Business Pillars – Three Years of Putting Clean Energy into Action

Gentari, established in Malaysia in 2022, aims to accelerate the Asia Pacific's energy transition. With a focus on renewable energy, the company has achieved 8.4 GW of installed and under-construction capacity globally by mid-2025. In Malaysia, Gentari supports the national goal of 70% renewable energy by 2050, partnering on projects like a 1.5 GW solar and battery storage initiative with Gamuda Energy to power data centers. Their work spans renewable energy deployment, hydrogen development, and green mobility ecosystems.

SEB introduces net energy metering subsidy for domestic tariff customers

Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) is launching a subsidy scheme for domestic customers installing rooftop solar systems under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program. Subsidies range from RM8,000 to RM12,000 depending on system size. Installations must be done by certified installers, and the subsidy is limited to one per household for new installations starting in 2026. Customers who signed NEM contracts in 2025 can apply for the subsidy starting January 2026. The initiative aims to increase rooftop solar adoption, promote energy savings, and support Sarawak's renewable energy goals.

200 megawatts channelled to east coast of Sabah – Sabah Electricity

Power supply to Sabah's East Coast has been restored via the 275kv Kolopis-Segaliud transmission line after four days, delivering 200 megawatts of electricity. An Emergency Restoration System tower was installed, enabling connection through Sandakan and Tawau island operations to reach affected districts including Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Beluran, Kinabatangan, and Sandakan. The restoration also resolved water supply issues in Sandakan. Further work on a main distribution substation in Tawau is planned.

IEM Sabah salutes SESB in restoring power supply

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch commends Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) engineers, technicians, and frontline staff for their dedication in restoring power after landslides disrupted several districts. Led by CEO Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, SESB teams worked tirelessly despite challenging conditions, installing temporary towers and ensuring community access to electricity. IEM Sabah recognizes their commitment, resilience, and the leadership demonstrated by Mohd Yaakob's on-site presence.

Sabah electricity begins four-shift rationing schedule in Tawau

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd has implemented a four-shift electricity rationing schedule in Tawau, Sabah, starting September 16th. Each shift provides three hours of electricity, rotating throughout the day. Shift 1 receives power from midnight to 3 am and noon to 3 pm, Shift 2 from 3 am to 6 am and 3 pm to 6 pm, Shift 3 from 6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 9 pm, and Shift 4 from 9 am to noon and 9 pm to midnight. However, supply duration and timing may vary depending on network conditions. Affected users can contact Sabah Electricity for updates.

SESB races against weather to restore power in Penampang

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) crews are working tirelessly to repair a collapsed transmission tower in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang, despite challenging weather and access. CEO Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar emphasized worker safety as the top priority. Helicopters are being used to transport equipment for an Emergency Restoration System (ERS) tower. SESB expressed gratitude to Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd for their assistance and requested public patience during the restoration process.

Premier: Identified cascading dam sites have potential 3GW hydropower generation

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari announced that assessments have identified sites for cascading dams with a potential 3 gigawatt hydropower capacity. He highlighted Sarawak's progress towards becoming a regional renewable energy hub, aiming for a 60% renewable energy mix by 2030 with 10 gigawatts capacity. This aligns with their net-zero goal while promoting economic development, projected to generate RM550 billion in GDP, 80,000 jobs, and RM700 billion in investments. Sarawak is building on existing hydropower projects and exploring new technologies like floating solar farms and battery energy storage systems.

In Berlin, Sarawak govt explores strategic cooperation with green energy giant Siemens

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari visited Siemens Energy headquarters in Berlin to explore green energy collaboration. Sarawak aims to leverage Siemens' advanced technology, particularly in hydrogen production, where Siemens' electrolysers produce 350kg/hour compared to Sarawak's current 130kg/day. The state is also interested in gas turbine technology and utilizing Siemens' Innovation Center for research and development.

Premier leads delegation to Germany, France to advance Sarawak’s green energy agenda

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari is on a three-day working visit to Germany and France to promote Sarawak's green energy agenda. He aims to strengthen Sarawak's position as a clean energy hub, aligning with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030. The visit includes meetings at Siemens Energy headquarters in Berlin and a keynote address at the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower in Paris, where he will highlight Sarawak's green energy ambitions and hydrogen production potential.

Sarawak in good spot for expanding cross-border energy trade

Sarawak is poised to expand its cross-border energy trade, leveraging its hydropower and natural gas reserves to contribute to the ASEAN power grid. ACE research analyst Shania Esmeralda Manaloe highlighted Sarawak's existing power export to Kalimantan as a successful demonstration of the grid's feasibility. She emphasized the growing momentum for the ASEAN power grid, citing the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (LTMS) Power Integration Project and upcoming discussions to increase its capacity. Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, will oversee the signing of an enhanced MOU for the power grid.

Careful watch needed for new nuclear technology, says expert

Malaysia should exercise caution when considering Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for its energy mix due to the technology's lack of commercial-scale testing, according to Datuk Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan, former director general of Malaysia’s Atomic Energy Licensing Board. While SMRs offer potential advantages like smaller size and modularity, he recommends prioritizing proven nuclear technologies. Although Malaysia's new nuclear policy permits exploration of nuclear power, the focus should be on larger, established reactor designs that have integrated safety lessons from past nuclear accidents. While SMRs are perceived as potentially cheaper, the cost per megawatt might be higher.

Asean Power Grid project needs over US$50 bln for completion, says DPM Fadillah

The ASEAN Power Grid project requires over US$50 billion in funding, significantly more than the current commitments from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted the need to attract more investors, particularly from the private sector in regions like the Middle East, Japan, and China. While governments will facilitate, the private sector will lead in determining the commercial model. The project aims to enhance energy security, sustainability, and integration within ASEAN.

Political stability, legal clarity vital to attract green energy investors, says DPM Fadillah

Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted the importance of clear policies, robust legal frameworks, technical expertise, and political stability to attract renewable energy investments in ASEAN, particularly for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). He emphasized transparent business models and sound governance to build investor confidence, citing Malaysia's successful large-scale solar project as an example of attracting foreign investment through transparent bidding and legal guarantees. Developing a skilled workforce and a supportive ecosystem, along with political stability, are crucial for attracting investors.

DPM Fadillah: Borneo set to power Asean’s green energy future

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof called for greater ASEAN cooperation on clean energy, highlighting Borneo's potential as a regional green energy hub. He emphasized Malaysia's leadership in the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative, with an updated agreement expected in October. Existing power exchanges between ASEAN nations demonstrate successful cooperation, fostering energy security. Sarawak's hydropower and hydrogen projects, combined with Sabah and Kalimantan's developments, position Borneo as a future Southeast Asian energy powerhouse, contributing to the Borneo grid within the larger APG.

‘Asean must diversify, tie up to meet energy demands’

The International Energy Agency (IEA) urges ASEAN to embrace diversification, predictability, and cooperation to meet rising energy demands and secure a clean energy future. Southeast Asia's electricity consumption is projected to double by 2030, necessitating secure, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. Diversifying energy sources and trade routes is crucial to avoid over-reliance on single suppliers, while predictability in policy and regulations is key to attracting private investment in large-scale energy projects. The region's vast solar, wind, and hydropower potential offers a path towards energy independence and reduced fuel imports.