Hajiji accompanying Anwar during the launch gimmick of the Sabah Southern MADANI Link Project at the Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex in Sipitang today.
SIPITANG: The Sabah Southern MADANI Link project, launched today, is set to become a catalyst for Sabah’s economic development by providing a more stable, robust and reliable electricity supply system to meet the State’s future growth requirements.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the long-awaited project is more than just an electricity transmission infrastructure initiative; it is a strategic investment that will significantly enhance the stability and sustainability of Sabah’s energy sector while supporting long-term economic growth.
He said the project will strengthen the State’s electricity transmission network, improve grid stability and reduce the risk of power disruptions that could affect economic activities and the wellbeing of the people.
“This project is crucial in taking Sabah into its next phase of development, as strategic sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, downstream processing, tourism, modern agriculture, digital data centres and technology-based industries will benefit from a stable, sufficient and high-quality energy supply.
“Energy sector development is therefore no longer solely about meeting current needs, but has become a key foundation for the State’s future planning,” he said at the launch of the Sabah Southern MADANI Link Project, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex here on Saturday.
Hajiji said the project, approved by the Federal Government, reflects the Prime Minister’s continued commitment to supporting Sabah’s development agenda, particularly in meeting the people’s basic needs through the provision of more resilient energy infrastructure.
He added that the project also demonstrates the close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments in ensuring Sabah enjoys a more stable, robust and reliable electricity supply system.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the State Government has charted the direction of Sabah’s energy sector development through the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan (SE-RAMP) 2040, which is anchored on three key pillars: energy security, equitable energy access and energy sustainability.
He said the plan serves as the Government’s primary guide in ensuring that energy supply is not only sufficient to meet current demand but is also capable of supporting Sabah’s long-term economic growth.
Hajiji added that the development of renewable energy resources will continue to be intensified, given Sabah’s strong potential to emerge as a green energy hub on the island of Borneo.
“With abundant hydropower resources, high solar irradiation throughout the year and extensive biomass potential, Sabah is strategically positioned to lead clean energy development in the region.
“This potential will not only attract high-value investments but also create new economic opportunities and generate more employment for the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister said strong energy infrastructure is essential to support the development of strategic industrial areas such as the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu, as well as various industrial zones and economic growth hubs planned across the State.
According to him, all these areas require a stable and adequate electricity supply to support industrial activities and attract greater domestic and international investment.
“The Sabah Southern MADANI Link project will not only enhance the reliability of electricity supply between regions, but also provide the capacity needed to integrate more renewable energy sources into Sabah’s grid system in the future,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for his support in implementing the project, as well as to all parties involved in making it a reality.
“May this project serve as a foundation for a brighter future for Sabah, with a stable energy supply, a rapidly growing economy and progress that can be enjoyed by all the people of the State,” he said.
