KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must accelerate renewable energy development, particularly solar power, to ensure long-term energy security and price stability, says the National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM).
Its Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan said the state’s location along the equatorial belt provides consistent sunlight year-round, making solar energy a highly viable resource that remains underutilised.
He said Sabah should move towards implementing large-scale solar power projects, similar to those in Peninsular Malaysia, with capacities ranging from 100MW to 200MW and above.
“Sabah is uniquely positioned to harness solar energy. This natural advantage should be fully utilised to strengthen the state’s electricity supply system,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 25).
Chan said the current global situation, including geopolitical tensions such as conflicts in the Middle East, has contributed to rising fuel and gas prices, exposing the risks of relying heavily on fuel-based energy sources.
He warned that over-dependence on gas and fossil fuels could lead to supply disruptions and cost fluctuations, which would ultimately impact consumers through higher electricity tariffs and reduced reliability.
“Fuel-based energy sources are volatile and unsustainable in the long term. Sabah must reduce its dependency on them progressively,” he said.
Chan pointed out that neighbouring Sarawak has taken a forward-looking approach by prioritising hydropower development to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply.
He said Sabah should adopt a similar strategy by diversifying into renewable energy, particularly solar.
YPNM called on the Energy Commission of Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Electricity and other stakeholders, to accelerate approvals and implementation of large-scale solar projects.
It also urged authorities to encourage private sector participation in renewable energy investments, develop a clear long-term renewable energy roadmap, and gradually reduce reliance on gas and fossil fuels.
