Sarawak govt allocates RM150 mln to bolster Samarahan’s electricity supply, says Premier

KUCHING (Nov 1): The Sarawak government is allocating over RM150 million to upgrade the electricity supply in Samarahan, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the federal government initially promised RM40 million for the project, but following checks, the “funds were no longer available”.

“So the project could not proceed, leading the state to step in with a RM150-million allocation.

“Hopefully, there will be no more power trips. This upgrade will extend from Asajaya, Sadong Jaya up to Sebuyau,” he said during the launch of Masjid Darul Iman Sadong Jaya upgrading project near here today.

Abang Johari said that the decision for the state to allocate the funds came after discussions with local representatives, including federal Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, who is also Kota Samarahan MP.

He said that he had asked Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi to oversee the implementation of the project.

Earlier, Abang Johari addressed the rising electricity needs in the local community.

“In the past, people only used basic appliances like irons, but now our homes have air conditioning, fridges, washing machines and additional appliances utilising single-phase power, as livelihoods have improved and our people’s standard of living has significantly increased.

“Even in this mosque, we can see it has air conditioning, which requires a lot of electricity.

“When the supply isn’t sufficient, it leads to frequent power trips, including at home,” he said.

With the upgrade, Abang Johari said that homes will be equipped with three-phase power, allowing for increased electricity capacity.

This enhancement will enable residents to support more appliances and modern conveniences, reflecting the improved standards of living within the community.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo who is also Sadong Jaya assemblyman; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Julaihi and his deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Rubiah; Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha; Premier’s Chief Political Secretary Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; and Samarahan Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang.