LABUAN: The proposed construction of a new power plant by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) to address the persistent power supply disruptions in this duty-free island will be discussed during the Cabinet meeting on Jan 24.

       Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the proposed power plant, spearheaded by PETRONAS, would be a collaborative effort with the Sabah Energy Commission (SEC) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB). The project's completion target is set for 2027.

       "We will present the proposed new power plant project to the Cabinet for approval next week, followed by the next step, wherein the technical team will work on finalising the Letter of Intent (LoI)," he said.

       Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Minister, added that the technical team would include representatives from PETRONAS, the Energy Commission of Malaysia, the Sabah Energy Commission, SESB, and several other relevant Sabah government agencies.

       "The aim is to ensure the finalised project encompasses distribution, generation, and demand considerations.

       "According to Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abd Rahman, Labuan requires at least 150 megawatts, but the current plan is to have a capacity of 130 megawatts," he said after visiting the Pipe Replacement Project at the Main Distribution of Water of Pulau Enoe on Sunday (Jan 21).

       He said if the power supply proves adequate for Labuan, it could be extended to benefit Sabah.

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       Fadillah emphasised the technical nature of the project, stating that a technical committee must be established to finalise issues related to the proposed project.

       "The committee's work is expected to conclude in September," he said. – Bernama