SIPITANG, June 13 — The Sabah Southern Madani Link (SSML) project will serve as a catalyst for Sabah’s economic development through the provision of a more stable, robust and high-quality electricity supply system to meet the state’s future development needs, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the long-awaited project is not merely an electricity transmission infrastructure project but also a strategic investment that will have a major impact on the stability and sustainability of the state’s energy sector.
He said it will strengthen the state’s electricity transmission network, enhance grid system stability and reduce the risk of power disruptions that could affect economic activities and public well-being.
“This project is also crucial in bringing Sabah into its next phase of development, where various strategic sectors such as manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, downstream processing, tourism, modern agriculture, digital data centres and technology-based industries can benefit from a stable, sufficient and high-quality energy supply.
“Therefore, the development of the energy sector is no longer merely about meeting current needs but has become the foundation of the state’s future planning,” he said when speaking at the launch of the SSML project by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex here today.
Hajiji said the project, approved by the federal government, demonstrates the Prime Minister’s continued commitment to supporting Sabah’s development agenda, particularly in meeting the people’s basic needs through more resilient energy infrastructure.
He said the implementation of the project also reflects the close cooperation between the state and federal governments in ensuring Sabah has a more stable, robust and high-quality electricity supply system.
Hajiji said the state government has charted the direction of the energy sector through the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, which is centred on three main pillars: energy security, equitable access to energy and energy sustainability.
The plan serves as the government’s primary guide in ensuring that energy supplies are not only sufficient to meet current needs but are also capable of supporting the state’s long-term economic growth.
According to him, the development of renewable energy resources will continue to be intensified, as Sabah has tremendous potential to emerge as a green energy hub on the island of Borneo.
“With abundant hydropower resources, high levels of solar irradiation throughout the year and vast biomass potential, Sabah is strategically positioned to lead clean energy development in the region.
“This potential is not only capable of attracting high-value investments but also creating new economic opportunities and generating more jobs for the people,” he said.
According to Hajiji, strong energy infrastructure is crucial to supporting the development of strategic industrial areas such as the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, Palm Oil Industrial Cluster Lahad Datu, as well as various industrial zones and economic growth hubs being planned across the state.
He said all these areas require a stable and sufficient electricity supply to support industrial activities and attract more domestic and international investments.
“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.
Hajiji 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 become the 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 this state,” he said. — Bernama
Date: 13 June, 2026 5:05 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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