Julaihi: Measures in place to ensure stable electricity supply during Aidilfitri

KUCHING (March 8): The Sarawak government has put in place a comprehensive contingency plan to ensure electricity supply remains stable during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

The Utility and Telecommunication Minister said the measure is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and enabling swift response to any disruption during the festive season.

He said among the measures undertaken include ensuring sufficient technical personnel and contractors are on standby around the clock to address any power supply interruption.

“Mobile generator sets will also be deployed to affected locations in the event of outages so that temporary electricity supply can be provided to impacted areas.

“Electricity usage at local substations is continuously monitored ahead of the festive season to allow transformer upgrades to be carried out, if necessary,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He said this at the Ziarah Ramadan and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme at Masjid An-Nur in Kampung Tebelu, Sebuyau on Saturday.

Julaihi, who is Sebuyau assemblyman, added that maintenance works have also been intensified, including trimming vegetation near power lines, conducting drone inspections to detect abnormalities and servicing the upper sections of electricity poles to repair any identified damage.

He said the measures are important to ensure public safety and maintain reliable electricity supply throughout the festive period.

At the same time, Julaihi also stressed that community cooperation is crucial in preventing vandalism involving the damage or theft of electricity and telecommunications cables, which can disrupt essential utility services.

He noted that such irresponsible acts could cause disruptions not only to electricity supply but also telecommunications and water services.

“Demand for electricity, water and telecommunications services continues to increase over time.

“Therefore, cooperation from the community is vital to assist authorities and relevant agencies in curbing vandalism.

He encouraged local communities to work closely with local authorities and utility agencies, including telecommunications providers and water agencies, to help safeguard public infrastructure.

Julaihi further pointed out that damage to infrastructure could also occur due to third-party works carried out near electricity cables, telecommunications cables or water pipelines without proper monitoring.

“I hope this advice and reminder will be received with an open mind by all parties, including those who may have been involved in acts of vandalism,” he said, adding that the interests of the community must always come first.

During the programme, Julaihi presented food baskets to 70 recipients in need while 30 children received duit raya packets.

‘Bubur pedas’ was also distributed to attendees as a symbolic gesture of sharing blessings and fostering community spirit during the Ramadan month.