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Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Photo credit: UKASAdvertisement
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 17: The Sarawak government has approved about RM180 million to upgrade electricity supply in Betong Division to three-phase power, with implementation set to begin next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said noted the shift in electricity demand driven by improved living standards, where households now require higher-capacity supply for modern appliances.
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“In the past, we only used single-phase electricity for irons and fridges, just two or three plugs — as long as there was power.
“Today, things are different. Everyone wants three-phase power. In Samarahan, not only irons or fridges — even laundry machines are used at home because the quality of life has improved,” he said when speaking at the Majlis Bersama Pemimpin Peringkat DUN Saribas, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
He further said Betong is experiencing similar development, prompting the State government to approve the upgrade to three-phase electricity supply for the division.
“The upgrade will be connected from Samarahan, with a total allocation of about RM180 million approved for Betong. This means there will be no more ‘kelam kelip kelam kelip’ (flickering power supply),” he added.
The Premier also recalled a past incident in Sadong Jaya where overloaded usage once caused a power disruption, saying such issues are now part of history following infrastructure upgrades.
On housing development, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is introducing a new model for building villages, moving away from the traditional “site and services” concept.
He said the new approach involves fully serviced and structured developments, where land is prepared with infrastructure such as land embankments, roads, drainage, and utilities before housing construction begins.
“This is the method we are using now — look at Darul Hana and Sungai Bedaun in Kuching, and Kampung Datu and Kemuyang in Sibu.
“Under the model, houses are then built and sold at around RM150,000 to RM160,000, while infrastructure costs, including utilities and land preparation, are borne by the government.
“The actual cost is more than RM300,000, but people only pay about RM150,000,” he explained.
Abang Johari said the housing initiative will also be extended to Saribas, including areas proposed by Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development II (Community Wellbeing Development) and Saribas assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development I (Youth and Sport Development) Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; and Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu. — DayakDaily
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