Kota Kinabalu: The implementation of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase I project is set to be fully completed by 2029, according to Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman. Musa emphasized that the 706-kilometre highway’s development would be accelerated as infrastructure and utility improvements are crucial for bolstering the state’s economic progress.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Musa highlighted the importance of enhancing water supply management and services to ensure continuous access to treated water for Sabahans. He stated that the government is optimistic about fulfilling water supply demands for the next 30 to 50 years. To achieve this, the government is focusing on three main strategies: increasing treated water production, executing water supply projects, and expanding water supply coverage in rural areas.
Musa made these remarks during the state government’s policy speech at the Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He also noted the government’s plans to develop the Ulu Padas Water Supply Scheme, which will be integrated with the Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project in Tenom. This initiative aims to meet long-term water supply needs and potentially serve as a source for the West Coast of Sabah.
On wastewater management, Musa stated that the government will enhance existing infrastructure and extend services to uncovered areas. He also mentioned plans to intensify education programs on sewerage system maintenance.
In efforts to boost electricity supply capacity, Musa outlined several interim and fast-track measures, including the upgrade of the Jalan Dam Main Inlet Substation in Lahad Datu and the installation of a Capacitor Bank in Tawau, both expected to be completed this year. With these measures, the state’s generation savings margin, previously under 10 percent, is projected to rise to 29 percent this year.
Musa also highlighted the Sabah government’s focus on renewable energy projects, with a target of achieving a 50 percent renewable energy composition for the Sabah grid by 2035. He mentioned that two hydroelectric projects in Sungai Padas are scheduled for full completion by 2030. Through the Sabah Hydro Development Masterplan study, additional hydroelectric projects have been identified for implementation until 2040.
The Sabah government is committed to advancing hydroelectric, solar, and other potential renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind, bioenergy, and ocean thermal energy conversion projects to meet the energy transition agenda and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These efforts align with the Blue Economy initiative being explored by Sabah. Efficient energy management is also a priority, with the implementation of the Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan initiative set to be launched later this year.