Semporna: Solar power project 70% ready

Soon, residents in remote islands off Semporna will enjoy 24-hour electricity supply.

Works to supply electricity using solar power in seven islands in Semporna is currently 70% completed and is expected to be ready by the middle of 2013. This is according to Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Islands off Semporna

Semporna is populated by about 137,800 people (2010 census) with majority of them Bajau, many of whom live in stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of the township. Tourists visit Semporna as a base for scuba diving or snorkeling trips to Pulau Sipadan (Sipadan Island) , Pulau Mabul (Mabul Island), and others. Some of the better known islands off Semporna include:

1.   Sipadan island
2.   Mabul island
3.   Mataking island
4.   Kapala island
5.   Sibuan island
6.   Bum Bum island
7.   Pom Pom island
8.   Bohey Dulang island
9.   Si Amil island
10. Mantabuan island

The solar power project costing RM94 million will benefit not only the residents, but also schools involving at least 10,000 students. Solar PV was chosen as energy source as the islands are too far to lay sea cables from the mainland.

Here are some eye teasers:

Sipadan island is a globally renowned diving spot. Photo: Passage 2 Jay Bee

Mabul island is also famous for its diving activities. Photo: themyec.com

Mataking island. Photo: divezone

Many, many places to satiate your diving fantasy. For the non-divers, go for sight seeing and unwind yourself at the world class resorts available at all of the more popular islands.

Killing of Sharks at Mabul Island

These are pictures shared by Semporna Shark Sanctuary a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on the rampant killing of sharks in Mabul island near Semporna (in the island of Borneo), for their fins. Shark fins are quite popular in the local restaurant menu and it also made its way into upscale eating destinations not too long ago.

According to the NGO ,the sharks are finned and their bodies are then thrown back into water and it happened right in front of Mabul resort.

Click the link given above to learn more about this and give your support. There is an online petition to this cause in their web site.

About Semporna Shark Sanctuary

The mission of the Semporna Shark Sanctuary is to protect one of the most diverse marine eco systems on the planet and protect the over exploitation of sharks, mantas, eagle rays, devil rays, marlin, sail fish and sea turtles. In doing this its objective is not only to protect and preserve these animals and the diversity of the coral reef systems in Semporna, but in doing so, protect and compensate fishing communities, secure the jobs that are currently held by many Sabahans in eco tourism which would be lost with the decline of these species and create many more in the maintenance, up keep and protection of South East Asias first Shark Sanctuary. - excerpt from the NGO's website.