Sabah’s long-standing water and electricity problems could finally see an end, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor saying the state expects major improvements within two years.

“These issues have been around for years, but we are tackling them head-on,” he said in an exclusive interview with Astro Awani recently.

While Sabah has struggled with inconsistent water supply and frequent blackouts, Hajiji assured that infrastructure upgrades are underway and that the state is no longer relying solely on federal intervention.

Hajiji noted that Sabah’s water crisis has been inherited from past administrations, but said his government isn’t making excuses and is actively working on solutions.

“We have funds from both federal and state sources to improve water treatment plants, fix aging pipelines, and upgrade infrastructure,” he said.

Among the projects in progress is a RM380 million expansion of the Telibong Water Treatment Plant in Tuaran, which is expected to boost supply once completed. 

Additionally, the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Dam, launched last year, is designed to provide long-term water security for the next 80 to 100 years.

Hajiji said the federal government has allocated RM300 million to further address water shortages, and he expects significant progress by the end of 2025.

With increasing industrial investment and urban growth, Sabah’s electricity grid has struggled to keep up with demand.

Since January last year, Sabah has taken over power regulation from the federal government, allowing the state to approve new energy projects without waiting for Putrajaya’s green light.

Over 1,000 megawatts of additional capacity has been approved, including mini-hydro, solar, and wind projects, which Hajiji said will help stabilize the grid.

The state government is also working with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to resolve blackouts, which have plagued both urban and rural areas.

“We are seeing improvements, and we expect the electricity problem to be fully resolved within one to two years,” Hajiji said.

Beyond improving basic infrastructure, Hajiji said the government is looking at the bigger picture—with a major push into the blue economy to diversify Sabah’s economy and create more jobs.

A new Blue Economy Industrial Park covering 4,000 to 5,000 acres has been approved in Kudat, aimed at developing marine-based industries, fisheries, and sustainable aquaculture.

Among the first projects is a tuna fishing and landing facility in Kota Kinabalu, which will strengthen Sabah’s position in the global seafood market.

“This is not just about fishing,” Hajiji said, explaining that Sabah’s blue economy strategy also includes marine renewable energy, deep-sea mineral extraction, and carbon capture initiatives.

He said Sabah’s coastal communities in Semporna, Tuaran, Kudat, and other areas stand to benefit from new job opportunities and economic activities linked to the blue economy expansion.

With water, electricity, and economic diversification all in focus, Hajiji said these efforts align with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, ensuring that the state is prepared for long-term growth. – March 12, 2025