Poser over Tawau geothermal project
Published on: Thursday, May 18, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: The Tawau Green Energy Geothermal Project at Andrassy in Tawau is scheduled to tap into the State power grid by June this year but there is no sign of work being done on site. DAP Sri Tanjong Assemblyman Chan Fong Hin now wants Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili to explain what is going on and what are his plans to solve the power supply problem in the East Coast. "The people will expect to know about what is the solution to deal with the power woes in Sabah, particularly in Tawau," he said, in a statement, here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Based on a briefing to the media by the Minister in August last year, the commercial operation for the 300MW geothermal plant in Apas Kiri in Tawau was slated for June 2018. "The big question is not much progress in terms of work at the proposed site…not much had been said since the matter was briefed at the recent State Assembly sitting and as to what was briefed to the media by Dr Maximus in August last year," he said. He also noted that a brief chat he had with the security guard at the gates of the power plant site recently revealed that no work had been done since early this year. "There were no workers but only machinery in the area. Then how would the plant be operating in June next year?" he asked.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to him, RM2.3 billion has been allocated to solve the power issues in Sabah under the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 to 2020) and to bring down the power disruption index to 250 minutes a year. However, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) missed this target last year, he said, adding the huge allocation had not been able to deal with the issue as yet.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Dr Maximus should play a prominent role in ensuring consistent supply and the additional reserves for future industrial development, as well as take into consideration green technology development, not just for power but also water supply to ensure the health of consumers is protected," he said. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
