‘Ministry working to strengthen electricty supply system to deliver reliable supply’

THE Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is actively strengthening the performance of the electricity supply system in stages to ensure reliable electricity supply, especially in rural areas.

Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said improvement efforts include the construction of distribution lines using Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) technology, construction of Double Circuit Monopole overhead lines, building new 33/11kV substations, and upgrading transformers.

“So far, a total of 273km of main MVCC distribution line projects have been completed across Sarawak, compared to 244km previously.

“The projects covers covers Petian to Dalat (36km); Kanowit to Nanga Ngungun (34km); Kanowit to Julau (35km); Murum Junction to Belaga (59km); Tatau to Sangan (28km); Similajau to Sebauh (52km); and Bunut to Long Lama (29km),” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech.

He also said the government has approved an allocation of RM150 million to upgrade electricity supply infrastructure in Samarahan Division.

“The project, which was launched on Nov 23 this year by the Premier at Dewan Kampung Sampat Sebangan, Sebuyau, will improve the performance of distribution lines in the Samarahan, Asajaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong districts.

“Works began immediately after the project was launched,” he added.

He said besides the upgrade project in Samarahan Division, the government has also approved an allocation of RM425 million to upgrade electricity supply in Lundu, Lubok Antu, Betong Division, Sungai Asap, and Lawas under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

On the Sarawak Grid Transmission System, Julaihi said the 500kV transmission line from Bunut to Similajau was completed in August this year.

This, he said, completes the 500kV grid system from the northern region (Bunut in Miri and Similajau in Bintulu) to the central region (Mapai, Sibu) and then to the southern region (Tondong, Bau).

“The entire 500kV grid system project cost RM3.4 billion. Currently, this transmission line is operating at 275kV and will be upgraded to 500kV when the Baleh Hydroelectric Power Station begins operation in the fourth quarter of 2029.

“The 275kV transmission line from Bunut to Lawas has been operating since the third week of November 2025, and the connection to Sabah will begin operating in mid-December.

“I also have good news for Lawas residents. Starting Dec 4, Lawas will no longer rely on diesel-powered gensets as the electricity supply for Lawas District will be directly connected to the Sarawak Main Grid,” he said.

As for the Limbang connection to the Sarawak Main Grid, Julaihi said the project is currently 90 per cent complete and is expected to be fully completed by mid-2026.