KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association is defending Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) against continuous blame for power disruptions in the state, stating that it is unfair to put all the blame on the utility company.
David Chan, president of the consumer group, emphasized the need for politicians to work with the government to find solutions rather than simply condemning everything.
Chan expressed disapproval of the approach of politicians who continuously criticize the utility company without offering constructive suggestions for improvement.
The consumer group’s statement comes in response to the establishment of the Sabah Electricity Watchdog (SEW) by state Opposition Parti Warisan, aimed at monitoring SESB amid concerns over insufficient power supply in the state.
Justin Wong, Sri Tanjung assemblyman, has been appointed to head SEW and address the power supply issues in Sabah.
SEW’s primary objective is to ensure that electricity consumers and investors receive value for money in terms of power supply and services rendered by SESB.
Wong has criticized the standard of service provided by SESB, stating that it falls below the required standard and is not at par with similar major utilities in Peninsular Malaysia.
Chan, in response, defended SESB, stating that the staff and management have been making efforts to rectify power supply problems in the state.
He highlighted the recent repair works conducted by SESB which saw two Independent Power Producers (IPPs) being shut down for maintenance, with the grid system being restored earlier than scheduled despite the complex and strenuous nature of the works.
Chan commended SESB’s technical teams for their efforts and discouraged excessive criticism as it may discourage and disappoint the workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the risks taken by the workers in ensuring Sabahans receive the best services, and sympathized with their families.
Chan urged for efforts to stabilize and increase power supply to begin, including the repair works on the Tenom hydroelectric power plant and the provision of more solar power plants and renewable energy sources.
