18 SABAH @ green | September-October. 2025
18 SABAH @ green | September-October. 2025
Arshad Mohamed Ismail
Powering Malaysia ' s green future
� Sabah could supply up to 75 per cent of Malaysia’ s green energy under SE-RAMP 2040, reinforcing its role in national energy security.
SABAH ' S clean energy ambitions took centre stage at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference( SAREC) 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality, where public and private sector leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the State ' s energy transition.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that Sabah had the potential to supply up to 75 per cent of Malaysia ' s green energy once its renewable sector reaches full maturity.
" Sabah is blessed with abundant renewable resources that can transform both the state and the nation into a high value-added, sustainable economy," he said in a keynote address delivered by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the conference.
The Chief Minister stated that the State ' s newly launched Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040( SE-RAMP 2040) provides a strategic framework to harness the potential of solar, hydro, biomass, and wind across the region.
" We remain steadfast in taking charge of Sabah ' s energy resources and in developing the necessary infrastructure. With the continued support of all stakeholders, we will drive Sabah towards a greener and more sustainable future," Hajiji said.
� MARC’ s green financing and investment facilitation will play a critical role in accelerating Sabah’ s renewable projects.
MARC ' S COMMITMENT
Among those pledging support was the Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad( MARC), which reaffirmed its role in enabling Sabah ' s energy transition through credit ratings, green financing, and investment facilitation.
Group Chief Executive Officer Arshad Mohamed Ismail stated that MARC is prepared to collaborate with the state government, utilities, and investors to facilitate the unlocking of financing pathways required for large-scale renewable projects.
" Together, let us position Sabah as Malaysia ' s premier renewable energy hub," he said.
Arshad noted that despite Sabah ' s strong economic contributions, its electricity supply remains constrained— a challenge that highlights the urgent need to expand generation capacity and diversify energy sources.
MARC ' s approach, he added, goes beyond traditional ratings by fostering the growth of green capital flows that can accelerate the adoption of clean energy across the State.
BLUE AND GREEN ECONOMIES
Hajiji said Sabah ' s development strategy now integrates the Blue
� The integration of renewable energy, blue economy, and reforestation initiatives demonstrates Sabah’ s comprehensive approach to sustainable development.
Economy— sustainable exploration and management of marine and coastal resources— as a key economic pillar.
At the State-level International Day of Forests celebration held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, he highlighted the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration( FOLUR) Programme, which aims to balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.
" This project supports sustainable farming practices, particularly in the oil palm sector, while rehabilitating degraded forest areas," he said in a speech delivered by Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship.
He added that such initiatives strengthen Sabah ' s contribution to national climate goals, noting that forests remain vital carbon sinks that mitigate the impacts of climate change.
From renewable energy corridors to ocean stewardship and reforestation, Sabah is shaping a model of inclusive, climate-aligned growth. With supportive frameworks like SE-RAMP 2040, partnerships with agencies such as MARC, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, the State is positioning itself as a key driver of Malaysia ' s low-carbon future.
Southern grid strengthens supply
THE completion of the Southern Grid, expected by 2030, was set to improve transmission and electricity connectivity while serving as a key component in stabilising power supply.
Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation( Petra), Akmal Nasrullah Nasir, stated that while grid failures cannot be entirely avoided, particularly during natural disasters, the Southern Grid will provide an essential backup connection, rather than relying solely on the existing system.
The State Energy Commission( ECoS) had been tasked with overseeing the project since 2024, which was being carried out in two phases. During a working visit to the district, Akmal inspected two power substations and Phase III of a water supply scheme to monitor progress and ensure that works stayed on track with the projected timeline.- @ green
Akmal Nasrullah Mohd. Nasir