This statement is refered to the press statement by DAP Batu Sapi Chief on Sandakan Power Barge

Kota Kinabalu  As had been indicated in earlier press releases, the generation capacity in Sabah began to face problem since April 2009. The gas turbines in Sandakan were out of commission since August 2009 and March 2010 respectively.

Action had immediately being taken to initiate the restoration process. Being of big capacity (20MW each) and the need to procure components from overseas while abiding to all proper procument policies and procedure the process had taken a bit longer to complete. Based on the current program both turbine generators will be put back into operation by the end of April 2010.

SESB would like to inform the public that operation of all the generators is being decided and guided by taking into consideration the most economical regime without jeopardizing the supply to its valued customers. Therefore under low load conditions, some of the more expensive generators to operate are shutdown temporarily to optimize the cost of supply. This does not necessarily in any way indicate that the generators broke down.

Meanwhile, the installation of the temporary 20 x 1MW mobile set in Sandakan had reduced the interruption rate (SAIDI) by 81.5% in Sandakan and 87.34% in Tawau. In fact since March 1, there had only been 1 (one) incident of load shedding carried out throughout Sabah.

Installation of 100MW diesel-operated generator is not considered to be the most optimum both technically and commercially. Besides, the 100MW generator will still rely on the expensive and polluting diesel fuel with limited mitigation facilities available compare to restoring the gas turbine in Sandakan in terms of sludge creation and disposal particulate emission.