Limbang to join State Grid by July, early renewable energy shift cushions S’wak from diesel price hikes

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By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, Apr 11: Limbang is expected to be connected to the State Grid by July this year, reducing reliance on diesel-powered generator sets amid the surge in fuel prices due to global developments.

According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the State government has paid RM150 million annually to purchase diesel for Limbang and Lawas, as both areas use diesel-powered generator sets, with only a small portion of power coming from the cascading hydro dam in Lawas.

“That is why we requested Sarawak Energy Berhad to expedite the State Grid so that the grid would pass through Limbang and Lawas and supply electricity to both areas.

“Lawas (connection to the State Grid) was completed in December. As for Limbang, if there are no unforeseen obstacles, hopefully, Limbang will be connected to the State Grid by July this year.

“This means we will no longer depend on diesel. Electricity supply in both areas will be improved, and we will no longer need to purchase diesel. Diesel prices have also increased,” he said at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme for Limbang Division at the Limbang Sports Complex, which was broadcast live via TVS today.

He was responding to an earlier request by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who was also present, urging the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication to expedite efforts to connect Limbang to Sarawak’s State electricity grid, stressing the growing urgency as fuel costs continue to rise.

The Premier also noted that the State’s early transition to renewable energy meant that it wasn’t severely affected by the increase in diesel prices, as under the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares), longhouses in Baram and interior areas have already transitioned from diesel generators to solar power.

He also pointed out that with the completion of many bridges in Sarawak, ferries—which also run on diesel—will be used less.

“Even if subsidies (for diesel) are provided, what happens if the supply runs out? In Daro, Igan, and Marudi, ferries are no longer used. All have been replaced.

“At present, only about five ferry services remain, including Limbang. By the end of the year, there will be no more ferries. In Rambungan, Lundu, and Krian, ferry services have already been phased out, and the people can now use bridges,” he said.

Additionally, he touched on the new pumped-storage hydropower technology, which means there is no need to flood large areas of land, as it uses gravity through cascading dams.

“This is our first energy source. The second source is sunlight—solar power, whether floating solar or ground-mounted solar.”

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Amar Ruziah Tahir; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily

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