Tourism operators in Sabah are being encouraged to switch from diesel to solar energy, with state leaders saying the move will strengthen sustainable tourism while offering visitors a quieter and more environmentally friendly travel experience.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said renewable energy solutions are particularly crucial for tourism destinations in remote parts of the state, where access to a stable electricity supply continues to be a major challenge.
Speaking at the Powering Sabah’s Low Carbon Future Workshop on Sunday, Joniston said the transition to clean energy is about more than reducing carbon emissions. He noted that today’s travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability.
He said Sabah’s greatest tourism strengths lie in its world-famous natural attractions, including its rainforests, Mount Kinabalu, islands, marine ecosystems, wildlife and authentic community experiences. Protecting these assets, he added, is essential to safeguarding the state’s long-term tourism industry.
Many of Sabah’s eco-tourism destinations, such as Kinabatangan River eco-lodges, island resorts and nature retreats, are located in isolated areas where diesel generators have traditionally been relied upon for electricity. Joniston said cleaner energy solutions could transform the visitor experience by reducing noise pollution while preserving the natural surroundings.
“Imagine staying in a rainforest powered entirely by clean energy, listening to the sounds of nature instead of the constant hum of generators. Sustainability itself becomes part of the travel experience,” he said.
He stressed that embracing renewable energy is also key to maintaining Sabah’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination and supports the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, which aims to build a more resilient, progressive and sustainable state.
Joniston added that cleaner energy would not only benefit tourism operators but also provide long-term advantages for local communities, businesses and industries through more reliable and sustainable power sources.
He also revealed that he recently met Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Chief Economic Adviser Tan Sri Noor Azlan Ghazali to discuss diesel subsidy issues affecting the tourism sector. According to Joniston, both leaders agreed that solar energy should be explored more aggressively as a practical alternative.
While calling for wider adoption of renewable energy, Joniston stressed that the transition should be driven primarily by the private sector, with the government acting as a facilitator to support the industry’s shift towards cleaner and more sustainable operations.
He also thanked ESL EcoEnergy and Huawei for organising the workshop, describing it as an important platform for government agencies, businesses and local communities to collaborate on practical solutions that will help power Sabah’s greener future.
