Seven years on, where’s our electricity, MP asks Putrajaya

Seven years after the project's inception, Sipitang MP Matbali Musah has called for an investigation into a rural electricity supply project in his constituency, which remains unfinished and has left thousands of residents without access to electricity. The hybrid solar system project, granted nine extensions of time, has been abandoned, forcing seven villages to rely on solar lamps and generator sets.

Matbali expressed frustration at the lack of concrete and decisive action from the rural and regional development ministry in response to his repeated questions. The MP also highlighted the unaddressed need for basic amenities in his constituency, including the lack of electricity affecting 287 households in Malamam, and the long-standing absence of clean water in several villages, impacting 7,319 residents in Sipitang.

The ministry's written reply, dated November 6, 2024, stated that the projects were at the stage of appointing a lead consultant, but implementation had not yet begun. Matbali sought clarification on the current status of the water supply projects, the allocated funds, obstacles hindering progress, and the expected timeline for residents to receive clean water.