Sabah’s power supply network improved under state regulatory control, says CM

Chief Minister Hajiji Noor of Sabah has reported notable advancements in the state's power supply network since the local government assumed regulatory control over electricity and renewable energy in 2024, according to his recent remarks in Kota Kinabalu. Previously, applicants had to endure a four to five year wait for approval from the federal Energy Commission, but under Sabah's oversight, applications are processed internally, expediting the improvement of the electricity supply system.

Regarding the generation reserve, Hajiji disclosed that it is projected to attain 26% by the end of the year, having risen from 8% in 2024 to 19% as of August 2025. Additionally, the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), a measure of power outages, has shown significant improvement, decreasing from 598 minutes in 2023 to 226 minutes as of July 2025.

Hajiji attributed these enhancements to concerted efforts aimed at fortifying the grid infrastructure. In 2024, he noted that Sabah's power supply challenges were predominantly attributed to rising demand stemming from the influx of investors and businesses establishing operations in the state. He emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to bolster Sabah's energy sector, which includes ensuring the reliability of transmission and distribution networks.