KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is targeting an 8.5% reduction in energy consumption by 2036 under a new 10-year action plan to improve energy efficiency across the state.
The Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan was launched on Thursday (July 30) as part of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040.
The target is measured against projected energy consumption without the implementation of the plan.
The plan was among several initiatives introduced at the launch of Tenaga Lestari Rakyat Sabah, officiated by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.
The event also saw the launch of the Solar Rakyat Sabah programme and the announcement of a RM4mil Solar Rakyat Sabah Incentive Rebate Scheme.
Funded through the Akaun Amanah Industri Bekalan Elektrik Sabah, the scheme is aimed at encouraging more domestic consumers to install solar systems and expanding the use of renewable energy in the state.
Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said the initiatives reflected the commission’s continued commitment to strengthening Sabah’s energy ecosystem.
He said the approach covered policy, technology, human capital development, community wellbeing and strategic cooperation.
“Developing a more sustainable energy system requires the involvement of all parties.
“The initiatives introduced today demonstrate the commitment of all parties towards achieving Sabah’s energy transition agenda for the direct benefit of the people and the state’s economic development,” he said.
The event also recognised several initiatives under the SELCO PV Sabah 2.0 campaign.
These included the Government Lead by Example initiative by the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority and a commercial project at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
ECoS said the university project was the largest SELCO PV installation in Sabah.
Contributions were also presented to welfare institutions, places of worship, educational institutions and local communities under the ECoS Khidmat Budi Tenaga Lestari corporate social responsibility programme.
The programme was carried out with support and contributions from strategic industry partners to ensure communities also benefited from the development of Sabah’s energy sector.
ECoS also exchanged a memorandum of understanding with Institut Keusahawanan Negara to develop technical and vocational education and training entrepreneurs and strengthen human capital for Sabah’s energy industry.
ECoS said the agreement marked INSKEN’s first collaboration with Malaysia’s energy industry.
Deputy Chief Minister I and state Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam represented the Chief Minister at the event.
