The utility company Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), involved in
the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, has been
powering the states of Sabah and Labuan since 1998. Led by its CEO,
Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, the company is setting its eyes
on further growth to emerge as a leading energy company.
“The key to success begins with a clear and compelling purpose. Ours is to spur the development of Sabah and Labuan in line with our vision of becoming a trusted, progressive and sustainable utility company.
To achieve this, we launched our Five Year Transformation Plan which focuses on improving technical and commercial aspects of operations and human capital development. At the same time, SESB is actively pursuing initiatives under our Sustainability Plan en route to becoming an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliant company.
With a clear purpose and these blueprints as a guiding factor, we were able to overcome challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, SESB recorded a drop in System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) which signalled improvements to power supply reliability. In addition, we also registered the highest Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score compared to previous years.
SESB maintained a steady financial performance during this period, achieving a positive net current asset balance for the second consecutive year. This enabled the company to focus on growth and business enhancements.
To ensure workers’ wellbeing, we enhanced existing Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policies, resulting in the lowest Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) ever recorded for the company.
The Road Ahead
The implementation of the First Regulatory Period (RP1) of the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) in 2022 marks a new milestone for the Sabah Electricity Supply Industry (SESI). This is set to promote greater transparency in electricity tariff setting, enabling SESB as a power company to provide more efficient services to our customers.
We will continue to deploy initiatives to achieve our key targets by 2025 which include increasing Sabah’s renewable energy (RE) generation to 360MW with SESB contributing 110MW as well as supporting Sabah in achieving 99 percent rural electrification by 2026 and reducing carbon emission intensity by 45 percent.
This is in line with our role in advancing the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda by the State Government, particularly in the areas of industrialisation, rural development and RE.
However, there are still many challenges that we face pertaining to low tariffs, high delivery and generation costs and other technical supply chain challenges. We are determined to overcome them through effective implementation of strategies and closer collaboration with our stakeholders in the government and industry.
I believe with a strong foundation, good planning and the right people, SESB is
well-poised to achieve our goals in line with our mantra, ‘Your Light, Our Pride’.”
 is focused on growth, aiming to become a leading energy company in Sabah and Labuan, led by CEO Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid.){kind=link}