Use Energy More Wisely, Build a More Sustainable Sabah
The Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP) is a ten year plan to help the public, businesses and industries use energy more efficiently. It supports the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) and sets out practical measures from 2026 to 2036.
The goal is simple: reduce energy waste without compromising comfort, productivity or economic growth.
What Is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same or better result. For example, a 5 star air conditioner can cool a room using less electricity than a less efficient model.
Energy efficiency does not mean that we must stop using electricity. It means using energy more wisely.
Why Does Sabah Need SEEAP?
Electricity consumption in Sabah is expected to continue rising alongside economic growth, commercial development and industrialisation. By using energy more efficiently, Sabah can:
- reduce energy waste;
- manage the growth in electricity demand;
- reduce long term energy system costs;
- improve the competitiveness of businesses and industries;
- create local jobs and service opportunities; and
- reduce carbon emissions.
SEEAP’s Main Target
SEEAP aims to achieve energy savings of 8.5% by 2036 compared with a business as usual scenario in which no additional energy efficiency measures are implemented.
Implementation focuses on three main sectors:
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Homes
Helping households save electricity through 5 star air conditioners and refrigerators, LED lighting, appliances that meet efficiency standards and home designs that reduce heat. Potential sector savings: 5.4%.
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Commercial Buildings
Encouraging offices, hotels, shopping centres and other commercial buildings to improve air conditioning settings, lighting, roof insulation, cooling systems and energy monitoring. Potential sector savings: 12.3%.
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Industry
Helping industries reduce electricity and fuel consumption through boiler optimisation, energy efficient motors, heat recovery, compressed air systems, and better energy controls and monitoring. Potential sector savings: 6.2%.
How Will Sabah Benefit?
Savings and a more efficient energy system
By 2036, energy efficiency measures could deliver approximately RM502 million in benefits by reducing the need for power generation and energy storage. Thermal efficiency improvements could also save approximately RM15 million by reducing natural gas consumption.
More employment opportunities
SEEAP is estimated to support approximately 1,300 to 5,000 jobs over the plan period. These opportunities include energy auditing, installation, engineering, maintenance, project management, training and equipment supply.
A better environment
Lower electricity and gas use can reduce carbon emissions. SEEAP is estimated to avoid a cumulative 1.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e).
Simple Steps You Can Take
At home
- Choose electrical appliances with energy efficiency labels and higher star ratings.
- Use LED lighting.
- Set your air conditioner to a comfortable temperature that is not unnecessarily low.
- Switch off lights and appliances when they are not in use.
- Service your air conditioner regularly.
At work or business premises
- Monitor electricity bills and energy consumption patterns each month.
- Adjust air conditioning settings and operating hours based on actual needs.
- Use efficient lighting, motors and cooling systems.
- Conduct an energy audit to identify waste and opportunities for savings.
- Make improvements in stages, beginning with low cost measures that deliver significant results.
How Will SEEAP Be Implemented?
SEEAP will be implemented from 2026 to 2036. Early measures focus on strengthening regulations, data, local capabilities and public awareness. Subsequent measures include improving appliance standards, developing building efficiency guidance, implementing building retrofit programmes, facilitating project financing and improving industrial systems.
SEEAP is a dynamic document that will be reviewed every three years so that its targets and measures remain relevant to Sabah’s changing technology, data and needs.