SIPITANG: The Sabah Southern MADANI Link Project, launched today, is set to become a catalyst for the state’s economic development through the provision of a more stable, resilient, and high-quality electricity supply system to meet Sabah’s future development needs.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the long-awaited project is not merely an electricity transmission infrastructure initiative, but also a strategic investment that will have a significant impact on the stability and sustainability of the state’s energy sector, while supporting long-term economic growth.
He said the project will strengthen Sabah’s electricity transmission network, improve grid system stability, and reduce the risk of power disruptions that could affect economic activities and the well-being of the people.
“This project is crucial in bringing Sabah into its next phase of development, where strategic sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, downstream processing, tourism, modern agriculture, digital data centres, and technology-based industries can benefit from a stable, sufficient, and high-quality energy supply.
“Therefore, the development of the energy sector is no longer solely about meeting current needs, but has become a foundation for the state’s future planning,” he said during the Launch Ceremony of the Sabah Southern MADANI Link Project, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar Ibrahim at the Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex here on Saturday.
Hajiji said the project, approved by the Federal Government, demonstrates the Prime Minister’s continued commitment to supporting Sabah’s development agenda, particularly in meeting the basic needs of the people through more resilient energy infrastructure.
He added that the implementation of the project also reflects the close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments in ensuring Sabah has a more stable, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply system.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the State Government has established a clear direction for the energy sector through the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan (SE-RAMP) 2040, which is built on three key pillars: energy security, equitable access to energy, and energy sustainability.
He said the plan serves as the government’s primary guide to ensure energy supply is not only sufficient to meet current demands but is also capable of supporting the state’s long-term economic growth.
Hajiji also noted that the development of renewable energy sources will continue to be intensified, as Sabah has strong potential to emerge as a green energy hub on the island of Borneo.
“With abundant hydropower resources, high levels of solar irradiation throughout the year, and extensive biomass potential, Sabah is strategically positioned to lead the development of clean energy in this region.
“This potential can not only attract high-value investments but also create new economic opportunities and generate more employment for the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that strong energy infrastructure is essential to support strategic industrial areas such as the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu, as well as various industrial zones and economic growth hubs being planned throughout the state.
According to him, all these areas require a stable and adequate electricity supply to support industrial activities and attract more domestic and international investments.
“The Sabah Southern MADANI Link Project will not only enhance the reliability of electricity supply between regions but also provide the capacity needed to integrate more renewable energy sources into Sabah’s grid system in the future,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for his support in implementing the project and to all parties involved in making it a reality.
“May this project serve as a foundation for a brighter future for Sabah, with a stable energy supply, a rapidly growing economy, and progress that can be enjoyed by all the people of the state,” he said.-pr/BNN
