SABAH SURE BLACKOUT PROGRAMME IN SANDAKAN TODAY
SANDAKAN:
RTM is holding a programme called “Sabah Sure Blackout” today, Friday, at the waterfront here, which concerns the power supply problem in Sabah and the proposed coal-fired power plant project controversy.
The event features debate- like TV interviews with Consumers Association of Sabah and Labuan CASH Deputy President Nordin Thani who favours the solar energy system as the best alternative, and a Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd representative expected to be Managing Director Baharin Din, who favours the coal-fired power.
Approached yesterday while on his way to Sandakan, Nordin said his view is certainly opposed to that which is supportive of the coal power plant project.
“I am with the people who are against the coal power plant because they know that many developed countries like United Kingdom and Australia have already installed the solar system, the best alternative to reduce the global warming, preserve the clean environment and significantly reduce the cost of the electricity in time of this economic crisis,” said Nordin, who is a UK engineering degree.
“I speak from my experience as a Malaysian student while living in UK and how i have observed the solar system,” he said.
“Besides, my knowledge of the solar system and what I have learned and experienced is for the people here. I want the people to be aware of the advanced technology instead of the traditional coal,” he stressed.
You may find out from the many tourists (UK and Australia) the advantages of the solar system.
“Another reason for them to use the solar system is that the coal could be difficult to source in future and in fact, there are other countries that face a shortage of coal. So if Sabah is running out of coal, where can Sabah find it?
“If we do have it, for example in Maliau Basin, could we afford to use it and finish it?” he asked.
Nordin said if SESB has a coal power plant but runs out of coal supply and then buy from other countries, for example, Indonesia, the consumers will eventually bear the extra cost.
“Can we afford to have expensive electricity when the cost is not reasonable?” he asked.
Nordin said he would highlight in the interview the cost of electricity today as it is not reasonable and has been a burden to the people, while the service is not satisfactory.
He said the monopoly of power supply in the State should be ended so that healthy competition would exist to improve service and lower tariff for the benefit of consumers.
According to Nordin, he was informed that the programme today would not be telecast live but expected to be aired on another day.
He was also informed that another program that concerns the same issue is expected to be telecast somewhere this month too.
