KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is expected to invest approximately RM5bil over the next 10 years to develop a high-quality, reliable electricity supply for the state.
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, said SESB aimed to turn the utility company, troubled by power disruptions of late, into a power producer with world-class electricity generation and distribution infrastructure.
He added that the high investment was to ensure electricity supply security that is cost-effective for the people.
"The move to transfer SESB's regulatory authority from the Federal Government back to the state would be historic when it is implemented.
"I am confident that the special session of the state assembly on Jan 3 will (see Sabah regaining) its regulatory controls after four decades under the Federal Government," he said at a book launch here Thursday (Dec 28).
The book, "The SESB Story", was published in conjunction with SESB's silver jubilee.
Madius observed that even with regulatory authority transferred to Sabah, big challenges are still ahead.
"We need to look at the best mechanism, model and formula that can be implemented to manage SESB so that it succeeds in the hands of Sabah.
"We need to realise that SESB is a business-driven entity and should stand on its own without relying on government subsidies.
"It must be acknowledged that during the 25 years of privatisation of SESB, a lot of progress has been achieved, especially in the construction of the transmission and distribution grid.
"Now, all the towns and cities in Sabah, except for Ranau, Telupid and Tongod, have been successfully connected to the grid system," said Madius, who is also Tuaran MP.
