Monday, June 9, 2008

MONDAY-9TH JUNE 2008- NO POWER RATE HIKE YET


No power rate hike yet
Musa says SESB has not informed State Govt that it wants to increase tariffs

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Government has yet to be informed by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) if it has any intention to increase electricity tariffs in Sabah. The issue of an increase has yet to be discussed between the State Government and the utility company, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said. And SESB has also yet to make any announcement if it plans to increase the electricity tariffs in the State, Musa said. “So far there has been no announcement and the matter has not been discussed,” he told reporters after officiating the 1Borneo soft opening and launching of RHB Bank Berhad’s branch at the hypermall yesterday. “If SESB is thinking of increasing the rate, we hope that it will not be too high as it would mean additional burden to the rakyat,” Musa added. When asked about the fuel price hike announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last week, Musa said it was unavoidable due to the escalating global oil price. The Government, he pointed out, however will do its best to ease the burden felt by the people by implementing steps to help them, especially groups such as farmers, fishermen and those in the low income bracket. “The rakyat have their responsibility also and that is to be thrifty with their spending,” he said adding that the Government will take all necessary steps to ease the people’s hardship. Commenting on 1Borneo, the Chief Minister said the hypermall that houses internationally and regionally- recognised brands, is poised to place Sabah on the map and elevate Kota Kinabalu’s status as a premier shopping destination in the region. Musa said with world-class and regional reputable brands, the establishment of Tune Hotel and Golden Screen Cinemas, this hypermall would certainly emerge as a new, exciting tourism product for Sabah. “1 Borneo is indeed a positive development for Kota Kinabalu city. The outlets in 1Borneo reflect the tastes and lifestyle of the people here. “Of course this is a good start for developing Sabah as a premier shopping destination, thus complementing the State’s tourism attractions,” he said. Musa, who is also State Finance Minister, thanked l Borneo’s developer Sagajuta (Sabah) for being able to complete the project in three years. Earlier, in his speech, the Chief Minister said the State Government was actively promoting tourism to further boost the local economy and create opportunities for the people. “Our State is one that is blessed as we have a range of natural sites and rich culture for travellers from all over the world to enjoy. “We have one of the best diving spots in the world at Pulau Sipadan and we also have Mount Kinabalu for the adventure seekers. However, there are some tourists who prefer shopping holidays and l Borneo is one such product that caters for them.” Musa said tourism receipts were projected to increase from RM2.88 billion in 2006 to a whopping RM48.5 billion in 2025. “We are confident that by diversifying our tourism products, this figure is within reach at the end of the 18-year Sabah Development Corridor period,” he said. Later, Musa officially opened RHB Bank Berhad’s new branch at 1Borneo. Meanwhile, Giant Hypermarket at 1Borneo, a world-class hypermarket that was set up at a cost of RM20 million, opened its doors to Sabahans yesterday. Giant, an anchor tenant at 1Borneo, stocks over 100,000 items of fresh food, daily essentials and consumer goods while being committed to offering low prices, big variety and great value. GCH Retail Sdn Bhd Marketing Director Ho Mun Hao said its investment in 1Borneo created 350 jobs as well as generated business opportunities for traders and small and medium enterprises.