“Sabah’s Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1 to be completed by 2029, with major infrastructure upgrades, water supply projects, and renewable energy plans in motion, says Tun Musa Aman.“
Sabah, 11th Apr 2025, 01.30pm – The first phase of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway, spanning 706km, is expected to reach full completion by 2029, reaffirmed Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman during the opening of the Fifth Term of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
Tun Musa said the government is accelerating infrastructure and utility developments, viewing them as critical enablers for Sabah’s long-term economic growth.
“Strategic investments in infrastructure such as roads, treated water, electricity, and renewable energy are essential to elevate Sabah’s development trajectory,” he said in his state policy address, attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Major Infrastructure Boosts Ahead
Tun Musa highlighted that the state government is intensifying efforts to improve water supply systems across Sabah through three key strategies:
- Increasing treated water production
- Implementing new water supply projects
- Expanding rural water access
To support long-term needs, the Ulu Padas Water Supply Scheme — to be integrated with the Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project in Tenom — will be developed. This project may also serve as a key water source for Sabah’s West Coast in the future.
On wastewater management, the government plans to:
- Upgrade existing infrastructure
- Expand sewerage services to underserved areas
- Strengthen public education on system maintenance
Power Supply Stabilization and Renewable Energy Vision
Sabah has also rolled out several interim and fast-track measures to address electricity supply challenges, including:
- Upgrading the Jalan Dam Main Inlet Substation in Lahad Datu
- Installing a Capacitor Bank in Tawau, set for completion this year
These initiatives are expected to improve Sabah’s generation reserve margin from under 10% to 29% in 2024.
Looking ahead, the state is targeting 50% renewable energy in the Sabah grid by 2035. Two hydroelectric projects at Sungai Padas are scheduled for completion by 2030, and additional sites have been earmarked under the Sabah Hydro Development Masterplan extending through 2040.
Tun Musa also reiterated Sabah’s commitment to the national energy transition agenda and carbon neutrality by 2050, with plans to pursue alternative energy sources such as:
- Solar
- Geothermal
- Wind
- Bioenergy
- Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
These efforts align with the state’s Blue Economy Initiative, he said, adding that the Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan will be officially launched by year-end to support these targets.uing the company at RM927.6 million.
