Kota kinabalu: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) is set to implement three immediate strategies to restore electricity supply to the six districts affected on Sabah's east coast. Its chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, outlined the measures during a special media conference.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first step involves the creation of a temporary bypass for the transmission line from Kimanis to Segaliud. This initiative is expected to be completed within two days. During this period, approximately 70,000 users will experience disruptions during peak load periods due to a generation capacity shortage on the east coast. To manage this, Sabah Electricity will implement rotational rationing of power supply during peak times.

The second measure focuses on the installation of two emergency restoration system towers at the site of the collapsed tower number 5 near Kampung Sarapong, Penampang. This installation, similar to efforts in Ranau last year, is projected to take eight days and aims to stabilize the electricity supply in the region.

The third step entails the construction of a permanent tower in the same area. This construction will commence following the completion of the two temporary towers. Mohd Yaakob emphasized the need for favorable weather conditions to facilitate the timely implementation of these measures.

Mohd Yaakob also explained that Sabah Electricity currently divides its grid systems into "Sandakan Island" and "Tawau Island" by activating local power supply stations, including the Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Sandakan and Tawau. However, the supply capacity remains limited. "Sandakan Island" includes Kinabatangan and Beluran, while "Tawau Island" covers Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau.

The electricity disruptions began when the tower number 5 structure near Kampung Sarapong, Penampang, collapsed due to a landslide, affecting Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, and Semporna.