FINANCIALLY troubled Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) should be the state government’s responsibility, said Shafie Apdal.

The Sabah chief minister said a task force will be formed to negotiate a smooth and quick transfer of ownership for SESB.

“I am aware there are several issues like future planning, debts, and cashflow.

“I was made to understand SESB had done some borrowing. Nonetheless, we will ensure the whole process will be smooth and quick,” he told reporters in Kota Kinabalu today.

On SESB’s debts, Shafie said he had already appointed consultants to look into the firm’s financial standing.

He said he will also discuss with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng on how the handover can be best done.

Shafie said power generation was an important component in propelling Sabah towards industrialisation and wooing more investors into the state.

Shafie said the state government will also have better control over its aid to rural folks who still rely on generators for power.

“We would also be able to consider all the available options, such as increasing the use of biodiesel as opposed to diesel and petrol,” said Shafie, in reference to Sabah’s massive oil palm cultivation.

Previous media reports said the price tag for SESB was around RM8 billion. – January 19, 2019.