SABAH Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor has expressed grave concern over corruption in the Sabah utilities industry, labelling the problem as an incurable disease that could impede the state’s progress if left unchecked.
Hajiji (Sulaman-GRS) highlighted a crucial lesson from the Sabah Water Department corruption scandal and the government’s stern stance against graft.
“The corruption problem is large, and if not addressed, it will become bigger and hamper our progress,” said Hajiji.
Hajiji said he had instructed State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong to probe into the alleged profiteering among private water transporters despite the state having set aside funds for the purpose.
Hajiji said this in response to a question by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang-Warisan) at the assembly sitting in Kota Kinabalu today.
Shafie, in highlighting corruption in the state’s services, asked the Sabah government to take steps to end such illegal practices.
The Sabah opposition leader also took issue with the construction of a 100MW power plant by Ranhill Sabah Energy (RSE) in Kimanis.
Hajiji said he was aware the existence of too many independent power producers (IPPs) in Sabah was a problem.
He said the commercial sale of power has become a burden to consumers and costs the government RM800 million in subsidies each year.
However, Hajiji said the federal Energy Commission is the one with authority to regulate power in the state, and Sabah has to agree with its decisions.
He said the state will tread carefully when it takes charge of its own power matters on January 3.
“I will ensure that next year, when we gain regulatory control, we will make the best decisions that do not burden us.
“I understand and agree with the suggestion from Senallang (Shafie) that we have to be cautious on this matter, as this is an issue that burdens the people,” he said.
Earlier, Assistant Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir revealed the state government has allocated RM300.25 million to the Sabah Water Department to implement 20 short-term solutions to reduce the state’s non-revenue water from 59.57% to 53% within 24 months.
“These projects include the replacement of water pumps and power generators at water treatment plants, capacity upgrades for intake points and water treatment plants, climate change mitigation, and the crackdown on illegal connections in various areas such as Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Papar, Beaufort, Tawau, and Sandakan,” he said.
Madingkir said the expansion of the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar from 40 million litres per day (MLD) to 80 MLD would be completed in August 2026.
“The state government is also conducting a feasibility study (FS) for the construction of hydroelectric dams in Ulu Padas, Tenom, and Kaiduan, Papar.
“If realised, these major projects can meet the energy needs of northern, central, and southern Kota Kinabalu, including the lower interior, until 2050,” he said.
In addition to taking over control of electric supply on January 3, Madingkir said Sabah would be able to implement the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 to focus on the state’s energy trilemma – ensuring energy security, providing comprehensive coverage at affordable prices, and improving environmental sustainability.
“The construction of the RSE 3 IPP plant in Kimanis with an installed capacity of 100MW, is expected to commence operations in March 2026 and supply electricity directly to the Sabah grid,” he said. – The Vibes, November 28, 2023.
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