Premier: Samarahan households to enjoy 3-phase electricity supply as Sarawak govt allocates RM150 mln to upgrade power grid

Abang Johari and other dignitaries arrive at Masjid Darul Iman, Sadong Jaya on Nov 1, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

SADONG JAYA, Nov 1: The people of Samarahan can look forward to upgraded electricity supply from single-phase to three-phase in their homes, as the Sarawak government commits over RM150 million to enhance the electricity grid network in the region.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared how the quality of life has progressed, with households now using more modern electrical appliances compared to the past.

“In the past, people were cautious about using just a cloth iron, so our homes only had single-phase electricity, as we only needed to power a refrigerator and an iron.

“Today, our lives have improved that our homes have not only cloth irons and refrigerators but also air-conditioning and washing machines,” he said when officiating the new Masjid Darul Iman in Sadong Jaya here today.

Abang Johari further emphasised that the upgrading of electricity supply is crucial as more households are now using high-powered appliances.

“If the electricity supply isn’t strong enough here, our homes will experience power trips.

“Thus, after I discussed with the representatives in Samarahan Division, I have approved an allocation of over RM150 million to upgrade the electricity supply from Asajaya, Sadong Jaya and up to Sebuyau.

“I have asked Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi (Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication) to arrange it,” he added.

Abang Johari also mentioned that the Federal government had initially agreed to allocate RM40 million for the project.

However, after reviewing, the funds were no longer available, preventing the project from moving forward.

Based on a previous media report, Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Berhad) has informed that the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) has approved a RM174 million project to upgrade electricity supply in Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong.

The key components of the project include the construction of a double circuit Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) from the Asajaya 33/11kV Substation to the Batang Sadong Bridge, the installation of a double submarine cable crossing the Batang Sadong river, the deployment of single circuit 33kV Covered Conductors from Batang Sadong to the Sebuyau Ferry Terminal and from the Batang Sadong bridge to Simunjan town, and a new substation in Sebuyau.

Also present were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) and Asajaya assemblyman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Julaihi who is also the Sebuyau assemblyman; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi who is also responsible for Islamic Affairs; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) and Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Chief Political Secretary to Premier, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; and Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) president Datuk Misnu Taha. – DayakDaily