SANDAKAN – Warisan’s Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong has called for clarity on the status of the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project following the change in the state government.
He said Sabah’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) government in 2021 led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that it would continue with the project, but the matter was never updated after the governance changed.
“While recognising the potential benefits this project holds for the economy and energy security, I urge the government to prioritise transparency and public accountability in its planning and execution.
“Gabungan Rakyat Sabah must clarify the current status of the project that was intended to supply gas from Kimanis to the east coast districts.
“It must state its timeline, and any potential delays or challenges. Regular updates and progress reports should be provided to the public to foster understanding and confidence,” Wong said in a statement today.
Detailed cost-benefit analyses should be shared to ensure public funds are utilised efficiently and effectively, he said, adding that clarification on safety protocols must be in place.
Wong said increased transparency and public participation were essential for ensuring the TSGP project’s success and remained in line with sustainable development goals.
“Warisan remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable development.
“We stand ready to support and engage in a constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the TSGP project’s responsible implementation.”
The TSGP project was initiated in 2016 under the then Barisan Nasional-led government, and aimed to distribute gas supply through a 662-km pipeline that would be used for electricity generation in the east coast districts of Sandakan and Tawau.
Currently, Sabah’s east coast districts rely on energy generated on the state’s west coast.
At the time, the project was approved by the state’s then energy, green technology and water minister Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, who now chairs the Sabah Energy Commission.
The project was however stopped by the Pakatan Harapan-led government in 2018 when it was found that the previous BN government paid China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau ahead of its project’s progress.
In 2021, when the PN government revived the project, Transparency International Malaysia urged the coalition to explain the need to resume the project given the company had failed to deliver. – February 1, 2024