Nabawan Assemblyman Proposes Expansion Of Rural Solar Power

KOTA KINABALU, April 27 (Bernama) -- Nabawan assemblyman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin has proposed that the Sabah government expand the use of solar energy as a sustainable electricity source in the state’s interior.

Raising the matter, Abdul Ghani of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) said the initiative is crucial to ensure that no residents, especially those in remote areas, continue to face electricity supply issues.

“I urge the state to intensify and expand the implementation of alternative supply projects such as solar energy across the state. This initiative is vital to ensure no one is left behind in development.

“Are there specific plans to develop solar energy systems in remote areas as a sustainable source of electricity?” he asked while debating the motion of thanks on the Governor’s Address at the State Assembly sitting today.

Nabawan is located under the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency, about 173 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu.

Meanwhile, Abdul Ghani said land ownership issues also require urgent attention, particularly involving residents, including those in Nabawan, who have long cultivated land and built homes but have yet to receive legal titles.

He said the situation not only creates uncertainty but also limits access to government agricultural assistance and subsidies.

He therefore urged the authorities to expedite land surveying, verification and the issuance of titles in a more comprehensive manner.

Abdul Ghani added that the agriculture sector must also be strengthened to ensure the state’s food security, with priority given to padi cultivation, alongside efforts to enhance the agricultural value chain through downstream development.

He stressed that Sabah can no longer rely solely on raw produce, noting that strengthening padi cultivation is key to reducing dependence on imported rice, while collaboration with government-linked companies is needed to ensure more structured and controlled project implementation.

-- BERNAMA