KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to benefit from a more robust and sustainable energy supply with the construction of a second 100MW power plant in Kimanis.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the project would improve the quality of life of Sabahans, adding that it would also strengthen the state’s economic development.
This development is part of a larger 700MW capacity project approved by the Sabah government under the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), designed to enhance grid resilience and support sustainable economic progress.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Hajiji announced that the RM700mil project would commence construction this month, with commercial operations expected to begin by March 2026.
“The 100MW Power Plant Project by Kimanis Power (Dua) Sdn Bhd is among the approved projects to ensure sufficient electricity supply for our industries and communities. This initiative will further reinforce Sabah's energy resources, ensuring the well-being of Sabahans,” Hajiji said on Tuesday (Nov 12).
He praised the partnership between the Yayasan Sabah Group and PETRONAS Gas Berhad, noting that Kimanis Power, as an independent power producer, plays a vital role in maintaining the stability of Sabah’s electricity supply, a critical component for the state’s development.
Hajiji added that the energy sector has been a key driver of Sabah’s economy for decades, and the new plant will help meet the state’s rising energy demand.
Describing PETRONAS as a crucial partner, Hajiji stressed on the national oil and gas company's ongoing contributions to Sabah’s socio-economic development through human capital growth and strategic collaborations with the state government.
Additionally, the project aims to engage local industry, increasing participation from Sabah-based vendors and suppliers.
The construction phase is expected to create around 400 job opportunities, with the completed plant projected to offer 60 to 70 permanent positions for locals.
“This project will bring significant job opportunities and increase our electricity supply,” Hajiji said.
As Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees chairman, Hajiji stressed the strategic importance of the new 100MW project, calling it “a critical initiative to ensure a consistent and sufficient electricity supply to support both Sabah’s industries and the everyday needs of its people.”
Meanwhile, PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB) managing director and chief executive officer Abdul Aziz Othman revealed that PGB, along with Yayasan Sabah Group’s NRG Consortium (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, recently received a Letter of Notification (LON) from the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS).
The Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd (KPSB) and Kimanis Power (Dua) Sdn Bhd (KPSB2) chairman added that the LON authorises them to install a 100MW power plant in Kimanis.
During the ceremony, Hajiji also commemorated the 15th anniversary of Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd, which was established on Sept 8, 2009. The company has played a key role in Sabah’s development, meeting approximately 25% of the state's daily electricity demand with a nominal generating capacity of 285MW.
