Sabah and Sarawak have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to unify the regulation of electrical and gas appliances across both territories.

The agreement, reached between the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) and Sarawak’s Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), aims to standardise safety and energy efficiency requirements for equipment sold in either state.

It comes as both governments move to assert more control over their respective energy sectors following the federal devolution of regulatory powers to Sabah through the establishment of ECoS.

“This MoU is about protecting the public. We want to ensure only safe and high-quality products enter our markets, especially those that carry risks such as electrical and gas appliances,” said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. 

Hajiji said this during the exchange of the memorandum of understanding, launch of the new ECoS-Sirim label and TVET program during the ECoS Hari Raya open house held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 

The MoU allows for the mutual recognition of safety labels and testing standards, meaning products approved in one state will no longer need to undergo a second round of verification before being sold in the other. 

Both parties also agreed to notify one another of any future changes to technical guidelines or legal standards.

While Sarawak’s MUT does not issue its own energy efficiency labels, it has agreed to recognise those certified by ECoS and previously by the federal energy commission, Suruhanjaya Tenaga. 

Sabah on the other hand will continue to accept equipment certified through SIRIM QAS, the national testing authority.

Officials say the move is expected to reduce regulatory duplication, streamline trade between the two states, and lower compliance costs for manufacturers.

Hajiji said the agreement reflects growing regulatory maturity in Sabah and Sarawak and called for continued vigilance amid rising imports of uncertified electrical goods into the local market.

“With the influx of foreign products, consumer choice may increase, but so do the risks. 

“We remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of the people, and this cooperation is part of that broader responsibility,” he said. 

The MoU replaces a previous agreement between MUT and the federal regulator, which became void following the creation of ECoS. 

Sabah now exercises full regulatory control over its energy sector, a move the Chief Minister described as a “new chapter” in the state’s development.

Separately, at a Hari Raya event hosted by Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC), Hajiji witnessed the handover of RM18 million in dividends to the state government, along with a RM500,000 donation to the Sabah Welfare Foundation and a zakat payment of RM198,536 to the Sabah Islamic Religious Council.

The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, SEC Chairman Datuk Annuar Ayub, and SEC CEO Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman. – April 22, 2025