DUN SARAWAK: Lundu needs stronger electrical infrastructure

KUCHING: Construction of new high-capacity Power Plant (PUP) and installation of standby power at critical facilities is proposed to address the problem of electricity supply disruption in Lundu District.

Tanjong Datu's (ADUN) State Legislative Assembly member Azizul Annuar Adenan said that the residents of Lundu, Sampadi and Sematan have recently been facing uncertain power supply disruptions as well as voltage drop phenomena affecting healthcare, tourism and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"I propose that Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) build a high-capacity power station in Lundu to separate grid loads from other areas, thereby stabilizing the voltage.

"In addition, the storage power unit is being installed at Lundu Water Treatment Plant and Lundu Hospital to avoid secondary utility disruption when short circuits occur", he said.

He said this while discussing the Supply Bill (2027) at the 19th Sarawak State Assembly (DUN) Conference, today.

According to him, the problem of electricity supply also affects resort and homestay entrepreneurs, as well as causing losses to seafood traders and refrigeration room owners when sales items are damaged due to disruption of supply.

In terms of telecommunications, Azizul Annuar suggested that the transmitter tower under the related initiatives of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as well as the Sarawak Multimedia Board (SMA) which has been completed should be activated immediately along with the telecommunication service provider.

He said backup battery systems or solar panels should also be provided in the telecom towers to keep the phone network running when there is a power outage.

In addition, the construction of additional transmitter towers in tourism hubs and coastal villages such as Pantai Abang, Kayan and Sampadi should be considered to expand communication coverage.

"Lundu has tremendous potential as a leading tourism, fishing and agriculture hub in Sarawak.

"However, this potential will not be fully realized if our people are still stuck with basic issues such as electricity and unstable telephone lines", he added. -TVS