KUCHING: Sabah is set to face significant challenges in ensuring a stable energy supply due to its heavy reliance on diesel for power generation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said rising diesel prices and global supply constraints are expected to put pressure on the state’s power generation capacity, potentially affecting domestic, industrial and business needs.
“This is what the government must focus on – how to help Sabah secure sufficient supply. Power generation is crucial not only for daily use by the people, but also to ensure the economy continues to grow and operate smoothly,” he said after attending the Kampung Samariang Batu Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said Peninsular Malaysia relies largely on gas for energy generation, which accounts for more than 30%, as well as coal, which remains relatively stable in supply, although ensuring gas supply remains a priority.
He added that Sarawak is in a stronger position due to its early transition to green energy, particularly hydropower, which contributes about 60% of the state’s electricity generation, alongside solar and other sources that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Earlier in his speech, Fadillah said the government will take proactive measures to ensure the welfare of the people continues to be safeguarded amid potential increases in the cost of living due to uncertainties in global energy supply.
“These measures include close monitoring through regular meetings involving the federal and state governments to coordinate actions in addressing any impact from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
“Among the expected impacts is an increase in logistics costs due to rising oil prices, which could in turn drive up the prices of goods, especially imports, if the situation persists for three to six months,” he said.
Meanwhile in Kota Kinabalu, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah’s gas-dominated energy structure has enabled the state to remain relatively stable amid the global energy crisis, although its reliance on diesel for part of its electricity supply remains a concern.
He said the state’s current electricity generation capacity is estimated at around 1,400 megawatts, with the bulk supplied through PETRONAS gas.
“Only about 300MW is generated from diesel. If diesel prices rise, it will affect the situation in Sabah,” he said after attending a Hari Raya celebration with media practitioners.
Hajiji said while Sabah has the advantage of gas-based energy, certain areas, particularly in the interior, still rely on diesel, including for the operation of telecommunications towers.
He added that so far, there has been no reports of diesel shortages in rural areas.
Hajiji said the state government is also studying a proposal to implement a WFH policy for state civil servants to save energy and costs, in line with the federal approach.
“At the federal level, the Prime Minister has directed that starting April 15, many civil servants may work from home to save not only energy but also expenditure.
“We will monitor this and I will bring the matter to the next state cabinet meeting.
“If there is a need, we will implement it,” he said.
