Energy Efficiency Rules in Sabah: SEEAP and Solar Rakyat Sabah
Which energy efficiency rules apply in Sabah?
Malaysia's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 covers Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan only; Sabah is making its own rules through the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS). ECoS launched the Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP), a 10-year roadmap, at the end of July 2026, alongside Solar Rakyat Sabah, a rooftop solar scheme for up to 4,000 homes.
Does the national energy efficiency law apply in Sabah?
No. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 (EECA) applies to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan only, according to the Energy Commission of Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak asked to develop their own energy efficiency regulations.
This follows from Sabah regulating its own electricity. According to SE-RAMP 2040, federal energy laws were devolved under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, and the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) was set up on 10 January 2023. See who runs Sabah's power sector.
What is SEEAP?
The Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP) is Strategy C3 of the state energy plan, SE-RAMP 2040. The plan says it will cover government policy and regulatory enablers for energy efficiency in public and private buildings and appliances, and lists initiatives including energy audits, energy management and efficiency labelling for buildings, green mobility, 5-star rated appliances, efficient lighting, minimum energy performance standards and cogeneration. ECoS leads it, with the state government, SEDA, local authorities and SESB.
Status as of September 2026:
- ECoS described SEEAP in January 2026 as a plan to develop a State Policy Framework on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, with an implementation plan for Sabah.
- SEEAP was launched at a ceremony at the end of July 2026 attended by the Head of State. ECoS's chief executive, Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, described it as a 10-year roadmap and, as reported by Malaysia Aktif, said it targets savings of 4.3 billion kWh and RM2 billion in electricity supply costs over 10 years, to 2036.
- We have not found published Sabah regulations yet on building energy codes or appliance standards under SEEAP.
What is Solar Rakyat Sabah?
Solar Rakyat Sabah is an ECoS rooftop solar scheme for homes, announced on 30 June 2026. According to ECoS:
| Solar Rakyat Sabah | |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Domestic consumers in Sabah who have not joined an earlier solar programme |
| Homes | Up to about 4,000, within a total quota of 20 MW |
| System size | Up to 5 kWac for single-phase homes; up to 10 kWac for three-phase homes |
| Surplus power | Exported to the grid for credits at the prevailing tariff rate, offsetting future bills |
| Contract | 12 years with Sabah Electricity (SE); afterwards converted to self-consumption solar (SELCO-PV) for own use only |
| How to apply | Online via the EEISy platform, first come, first served |
Source: The Star, 30 June 2026. At the July 2026 launch, Malaysia Aktif reported a state government rebate through the AAIBES fund of RM1,000 per kW, up to 4 kW, for single-phase users joining Solar Rakyat Sabah. Check the latest terms with ECoS before installing.
What does this mean for households?
- Bills: the average base tariff rose from 34.52 to 39.70 sen/kWh on 1 February 2026 (see the tariff explainer), so each kWh saved or generated at home is worth more than before.
- Rooftop solar: Solar Rakyat Sabah is the current route for homes to install solar and earn credits for exported power.
- Appliances: SEEAP lists 5-star rated appliances and minimum energy performance standards as initiatives. We have not found confirmation of Sabah-specific appliance rules in force yet.
SEEAP is a roadmap. Specific rules for buildings or appliances in Sabah still need to be made; we will update this page when they are published.
Frequently asked questions
Q Does the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 apply in Sabah?
Q What is SEEAP?
Q How do I apply for Solar Rakyat Sabah?
Q Can I sell solar power back to the grid in Sabah?
Sources & References 6 sources
Last verified: 27 September 2026
Laws and plans
- The Edge, 21 Nov 2024: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act Energy Commission of Malaysia: the Act applies to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan only; Sabah and Sarawak to make their own regulations.
- Energy Commission of Sabah: SE-RAMP 2040 (2023) Printed pp.25–26: devolution under Article 95C; ECoS established 10 January 2023. Printed p.65: Strategy C3, Sabah Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP).
- Energy Commission of Sabah, 29 Jan 2026: stakeholders shape Sabah's energy efficiency future SEEAP aims to develop a State Policy Framework on Energy Efficiency and Conservation.
SEEAP and Solar Rakyat Sabah, 2026
- Daily Express, 9 Jul 2026: New energy, solar initiatives for Sabah ECoS CEO: SEEAP a 10-year roadmap, to be launched end of July; Solar Rakyat Sabah prosumer model.
- Malaysia Aktif, 30 Jul 2026: SEEAP targets RM2 billion savings in electricity supply costs by 2036 Launch ceremony attended by the Head of State; 4.3 billion kWh, RM2 billion over 10 years; RM1,000 rebate per kW up to 4 kW for single-phase Solar Rakyat Sabah users (AAIBES fund).
- The Star, 30 Jun 2026: ECoS launches rooftop solar scheme for up to 4,000 Sabah homes 20 MW quota; 5 kWac single-phase, 10 kWac three-phase; EEISy online applications; bill credits for exports; 12-year contract with SE, then SELCO-PV.