Sabah should consider taking over SESB — KKCCCI

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui yesterday expressed disbelief at the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili’s statement that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) was on the verge of insolvency.

He said this statement could evoke panic among the public and possibly affect the people’s confidence towards the government.

“The commercial and private sectors, as well as members of the public find this news hard to accept. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) took over 82 per cent stake in SESB in the 1980s, while the State Government holds 18 per cent stake,” he said.

Lui said Sabahans deserved to know the reason SESB was on the brink of insolvency.

“We believe that the State Government will look into this matter as electricity supply is a basic necessity for the people.” KKCCCI also urged the State Government to seriously consider taking over SESB.

Maximus had said the future of SESB would be determined following an ongoing discussion between the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, Ministry of Finance and TNB.

The minister said the discussion was crucial, especially since SESB continued to make losses and on the verge of insolvency.