Deputy PM Fadillah confirms 19 MA63 items settled, including Sabah’s electricity entity, with RM3.54 billion in federal subsidies pledged until 2030
PUTRAJAYA: Nineteen items under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have now been resolved, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who chairs the MA63 Implementation Action Council, cited the handover of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to the state government as a key achievement.
“Although the entity has been handed over, the federal government continues to provide support to Sabah with an allocation of RM3.54 billion in electricity subsidies until 2030,” he said.
He made the remarks at a public dialogue closing the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku Programme, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Fadillah noted several remaining items are pending due to differing legal interpretations between state and federal levels.
“Because this is a legal matter, views at the state level may differ from those at the federal level. So it is not easy for us to resolve,” he explained.
He added that the majority of issues have been settled despite a few still requiring detailed examination.
Separately, Fadillah highlighted Malaysia’s prioritisation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) during its ASEAN Chairmanship.
The initiative aims to strengthen regional energy cooperation and ensure a stable electricity supply across Southeast Asia.
He said the APG is crucial for creating a network that allows ASEAN members to exchange electricity across borders.
“For example, if Thailand faces an energy shortage, other countries can supply electricity,” Fadillah stated.
The initial phase has begun via the Laos–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore (LTMS) Energy Integration Project.
The next step involves connecting Borneo, with its high renewable energy potential, to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore via an undersea cable.
“We aim to connect Borneo because it holds the largest renewable energy resources,” he said.
The three-day Rancakkan MADANI programme featured over 300 public services, career fairs, exhibitions, and family entertainment. – Bernama
