MADANI Project in Southern Sabah to Spur Development, Strengthen Power Supply

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the RM198 million Sabah Southern MADANI Link (SSML) electrical grid project connecting the west and east coasts of Sabah on 13 June 2026. The 275-kilovolt (kV) transmission line is part of the government initiative to develop infrastructure in the rural areas, aiming to enhance energy distribution, and resolving power shortages in the east coast of Sabah. The SSML will provide a more stable, robust and reliable electricity supply system, transporting lower-cost electricity to the east coast where energy demand has significantly increased. The project is scheduled for completion on in 2028. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the project will significantly impact stability and sustainability of Sabah's energy sector and support economic growth.

"The project is crucial for key sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, downstream processing, tourism, modern agriculture, digital data centres and technology-based industries. The project will be the foundation for the State's future planning. It will not only enhance the reliability of electricity supply between regions but also provide the capacity to integrate more renewable energy sources into Sabah's grid system.” Hajiji said on 13 Jun 2026 at the launch of SSML at the Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex, Sipitang.

Hajiji said Sabah must have a strong energy infrastructure to complement and support renewable energy integration and the development of industrial hubs such as the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), and the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu. The state has good potentials to emerge as a green energy hub, Hajiji added. "With abundant hydro resources, high solar irradiation throughout the year and extensive biomass potential, we can be successful in clean energy development in the region,” the CM said. "This potential will attract high-value investments and create new economic opportunities and generate more jobs. Hajiji said that the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan (SE-RAMP) 2040 – with key focus on energy security, equitable energy access and energy sustainability – will ensure sufficient energy supply and it will support long-term economic growth.