SANDAKAN – Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has to explain on the 13 new staffers he supposedly hired, despite labelling the state utility firm as “technically bankrupt”.
Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong has urged for transparency and accountability as salaries are paid by the public through their water bills.
“Is his (Tangau) decision appropriate to recruit 13 new employees if SESB is indeed in dire financial straits?
“I hope he (Tangau) won’t take this personally as the public has the right to know how much is the total monthly salaries for these new 13 staff because the public will be paying for them through SESB bills,” said Wong in a statement today.
Earlier, Tangau said SESB was “technically bankrupt” and the company has been dependent on subsidies from the federal government.
Wong also questioned Tangau’s statement as SESB was still able to contribute RM7.5 million to business zakat in March last year, which showed that the company was making a profit.
Business zakat should only be paid if the entity has generated profits.
As such, Wong said Warisan is establishing a watchdog group to oversee SESB’s performance.
He added that the group will be set up soon and would serve as a platform for Sabahans to voice their concerns and complaints about SESB’s services, as well as address wastage and mismanagement.
He went on to propose several measures for SESB to overcome financial challenges, including renegotiating with independent power producers (IPPs) for reasonable and beneficial power purchase rates and ensuring responsible procurement practices within SESB.
He said SESB should also avoid business-class travel for its employees and promote a culture of fiscal responsibility.
He suggested for SESB to eliminate Fixed Delivery Price Schedules with selected companies, including Unimekar Sdn Bhd, Penulaju Sdn Bhd, and REMT Utama Sdn Bhd, along with their sub-contractor, Larico Infrastructure Sdn Bhd. – January 13, 2024