Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the abandoned hybrid solar project in Pulau Banggi was completed in 2015, years before Datuk Zahid Hamidi led the federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
“Bersatu is twisting facts over the projects for political gain,” he said, in response to Sabah Bersatu women’s chief Rahimah Majid, who asked the Deputy Prime Minister to explain.
“It reflects ignorance of how the projects were implemented and who is responsible now,” he said.
He said the project had since been handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to manage, and any technical issues today fall under SESB’s jurisdiction, not the Ministry’s.
Suhaimi said it ironic that Bersatu is blaming others for projects that began during their time.
“They launched it with fanfare, but now they’re pointing fingers,” he said.
“Sabahans can see who is actually working and who only speaks when it suits them,” he said.
Suhaimi who is also Libaran MP said the villages mentioned by Rahimah — including Kg Selamat, Pulau Tigabu, and Pulau Balambangan — are under a different project altogether: the Hybrid Solar System Project for Remote Islands in Sabah, which is still ongoing and currently 85pc complete.
He said action was being taken over delays, including plans to terminate the contractor and a follow-up site visit is scheduled for June 16.
“This proves the Government is serious and transparent in addressing the delay,” he said. She said the failures crushed hopes of villagers who still live without reliable electricity.
"The people of Banggi cannot afford to wait any longer. We demand immediate answers and a clear action plan,” she said.
Pulau Banggi, located off the northern tip of Kudat. Accessible by a ferry ride of over one hour, many of its coastal villages still struggle with basic infrastructure, including consistent electricity and clean water.
