Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has encouraged Sabah to harness waste-to-energy technology as part of its renewable energy ambitions.

He said the state’s has natural advantages to position itself for renewal energy generation, particularly solar and ocean kinetic energy. 

But he also urged the state to take a closer look at its waste problem, particularly marine pollution, as an alternative energy source.

“Sabah is well-positioned to become a leader in renewable energy. 

“Beyond gas, the state can also tap into alternative sources such as solar and ocean energy,” he said in his speech at the Sabah Electricity Christmas Day and Chinese New open house in Tuaran on Saturday.

Fadillah urged Sabah to consider its waste management challenges, particularly marine pollution, as opportunities to create new energy solutions.

“Waste has the potential to be transformed into energy,” Fadillah said. “By collecting, processing, and selling it, we can generate income while addressing environmental issues. Turning waste into energy also helps reduce the need for landfills.”

The federal government, he said, is committed to supporting Sabah’s energy transition. 

A total of RM3.54 billion in subsidies has been allocated for 2024 to 2030, enabling the state to enhance its infrastructure and electricity capabilities under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Fadillah also noted the importance of regional collaboration in energy, saying that Sabah and Sarawak could play pivotal roles in ASEAN’s energy grid.

“Sabah and Sarawak can serve as key hubs for cross-border energy negotiations. Sarawak is already supplying 50 million units of electricity to Sabah, and this is expected to increase to 100 million,” he said.

He added that ASEAN’s energy grid, which connects countries such as Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, presents further opportunities for Sabah to strengthen its position in the energy sector. – January 26, 2025