KOTA KINABALU: Reliable, affordable energy is a key requirement for Sabah to achieve its RM100bil gross domestic product (GDP) target by 2030, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"We have identified the we want to develop, the investments to attract and the infrastructure to support them. The priority now is to make sure these plans are carried through," he said.
"When investors consider setting up factories or other major operations here, they need to know whether we can provide sufficient electricity and gas, how much it will cost, and when the supply will be available.
"These are practical questions, and they expect clear answers.
"After all, investors cannot operate their factories based on promises of future energy supply.
"They need to know what we can deliver," he said at the opening of the Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) Planning Annual Conference (PACE) here on Thursday (Oct 29).
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun delivered his speech.
Hajiji said natural gas will continue to play an important role in meeting Sabah’s energy requirements, even as the state develops more renewable energy sources.
"We have to balance Sabah’s growing energy needs with affordability and environmental sustainability. There are difficult decisions involved, but these are decisions we must make carefully if Sabah is to remain competitive," he said.
The Chief Minister commended the SEC on its financial performance and its efforts to expand into new areas under its Progressive Energy Transformation Agenda, PETA 2030.
