Power Outage Hits Sabah: Electricity Restored in Four Districts, Three Others Still Without Supply

Power Outage Causes Water Cuts in Affected Districts

Tawau is among three districts that have not had any supply of electricity since 12.14pm today. The power outage has also led to water cuts in the affected districts as water treatment plants were unable to operate. The cause of the disruption has yet to be determined.

Electricity Restored in Four Districts

In a Facebook post, Sabah Electricity said power has been restored in Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, and Kunak. However, work to recover the power supply is ongoing in Semporna, Lahad Datu, and Tawau. This means that the three districts have not had electricity since 12.14pm today.

Financial Constraints Pose Threat to Sabah’s Electricity Supply

Last Monday, Sabah Electricity chairman Wilfred Madius Tangau said the Bornean state could face a statewide blackout from next January if the federal government does not provide urgent financial support. Tangau, an MP from Pakatan Harapan component Upko, cited a letter from the Energy Commission of Sabah informing him that the additional RM866 million electricity subsidy given last year would not be considered this year due to fiscal constraints.

Sabah’s Electricity Tariff and Generation

Since 2014, Sabah’s electricity tariff has been fixed at a subsidised rate of 34.52 sen per kWh, while the cost of power generation and procurement has increased. Sabah Electricity generates only 20% of the state’s power, relying on independent power producers for the remaining 80% at a higher cost, creating a financial gap covered by federal subsidies.

Conclusion

The power outage in Sabah highlights the urgent need for financial support to ensure a stable electricity supply in the state. The disruption has caused inconvenience to residents and businesses, and it is essential that the federal government provides the necessary support to prevent a statewide blackout.

FAQs

* What are the affected districts?
+ Semporna, Lahad Datu, and Tawau
* When did the power outage occur?
+ 12.14pm today
* Has electricity been restored in all affected districts?
+ No, work is ongoing in Semporna, Lahad Datu, and Tawau
* What is the cause of the power outage?
+ Unknown
* What is the financial situation of Sabah’s electricity supply?
+ Sabah Electricity generates only 20% of the state’s power, relying on independent power producers for the remaining 80% at a higher cost, creating a financial gap covered by federal subsidies