Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said the working group would consist of representatives from the energy, science, technology, environment and climate change ministry, the state government and a consultant.

He said the group would ensure a smooth handover of SESB to the state authorities.

“We discussed preparations for the transition which we target to happen early next year,” Shafie said after a meeting with energy minister Yeo Bee Yin at his office here today.

In January, Yeo announced that the federal Cabinet had agreed to start the process of returning ownership of SESB to the Sabah government. The state had surrendered its utility company to TNB 34 years ago.

She had said the process would take up to two years to complete and would start with the setting up of two task force teams.

Today, Yeo said the due diligence report for the handover had been completed.

“We went through details pertaining to the due diligence report so that we can make a proper and accountable handover,” she said.

Shafie said the state would focus on attracting more investors once the handover was completed.