The Sabah state government will table a bill to set up the state energy commission next year, said Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal.

He said it was to follow the handover of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to the state government from Tenaga Nasional Bhd, expected to commence early next year.

The proposed commission is, among others, to strengthen the management of the supply and distribution of gas and electricity in the state, he told reporters after attending the Kimanis Christmas Celebration organised by the Kadazan Dusun Murut Malaysia Organisation (KDM Malaysia) at Kampung Kelatuan in Papar today.

Among those present was Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony, who is also KDM Malaysia president.

Meanwhile, Mohd Shafie in his speech at the event said the state government planned to develop and empower the downstream gas industry in Sipitang, Kimanis and Lahad Datu to boost the state’s economy.

- Bernama