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

Seven years after its inception, a rural electricity project in Sipitang, Sabah remains unfinished, leaving thousands of residents without reliable access to electricity, an MP from the area has demanded an investigation. Sipitang MP Matbali Musah expressed his concerns, stating that the nine-time-delayed hybrid solar system project, which had been abandoned, had left residents in seven villages relying on solar lamps and generator sets.

According to the Daily Express, Matbali urged the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development to investigate the matter, pointing out that despite his repeated pleas for electricity, he had received only vague and unhelpful responses. The MP also highlighted the lack of basic amenities in his constituency, noting that the project's failure had impacted 287 households in Malamam and 7,319 residents in 21 villages across Sipitang, where many residents have been without clean water for years.

Matbali questioned the Ministry's reply, which stated that the projects were at the stage of appointing a lead consultant, but had not started implementation. He sought clarification on the current status of the water supply projects, the funds allocated, the challenges hindering progress, and when residents can expect to gain access to clean water.

The Daily Express has requested a comment from the rural and regional development ministry regarding the matter.