My ministry not directly involved in TNB or SESB — Max

KOTA KINABALU: The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) does not have the power to determine the business direction of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) nor Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).

Its minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, said KeTTHA can only regulate policy, approve or disapprove electricity tariff reviews, licensing and such.

“We only act as a regulator as stated in existing legal acts. The ministry is not directly involved in TNB or SESB affairs. KeTTHA also will not increase electricity tariffs without first conducting intensive and detailed research,” he said at the Sabah Electricity Supply Open Day here yesterday.

Maximus, however, did not deny that there had been requests to increase tariff rates due to rising operational costs.

“That said, KeTTHA, as a regulator, will look into the accounts and study them in detail. After a thorough inspection, only then will we allow a tariff review. We want to make sure we are fair and just to the public with reasonable tariff rates. SESB had requested for a review previously but we did not approve it,” he said.

Maximus added that KeTTHA also takes into account the capacity of the power supply company to pay its employees, while quality control remains a top priority.

“If studies show that the quality provided to the public is not satisfactory, KeTTHA reserves the right to terminate their licence,” he said.