The Sarawak Government Approves RM150 Million To Boost Samarahan’s Power Capacity
SEBUYAU: The Sarawak Government is pressing ahead with strengthening the state’s utility development by approving RM150 million to carry out a major electricity supply upgrading project in the Samarahan Division.
According to the Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, this large-scale initiative represents a strategic effort to enhance both the capacity and stability of the power supply system, which in turn is expected to reduce frequent disruptions, particularly in rural areas.
“The Sarawak Government has never stopped pushing forward. Our goal is clear—to ensure every citizen, including those in the most remote rural areas, enjoys 24-hour electricity by 2030,” he said.
He said this during the Launch Ceremony of the Samarahan Division Electricity Supply Upgrading Project held at Dewan Kampung Sampat in Sebangan on Sunday.
The project was officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
Dato Sri Julaihi added that the project, scheduled to begin in December 2025, is expected to be fully completed by 2028 and will cover the areas of Samarahan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong.
He explained that the project will utilise Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) technology, an insulated medium-voltage cable system designed to minimise disruptions caused by severe weather, lightning strikes, animals or tree contact.
He went on to say that between 2021 and 2024, the state government spent RM48 million to strengthen the electrical infrastructure in the area, including the construction of the Asajaya and Gedong 33kV substations as well as the installation of underground cables.
He emphasised that the implementation of this project will bring significant benefits to residents, particularly by reducing damage to electrical appliances and minimising supply interruptions, which will help stimulate local economic growth and create more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Key components of the project include the installation of MVCC lines from Asajaya to the Batang Sadong Bridge, the construction of two riverbed cables crossing Batang Sadong, the installation of MVCC lines to Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong, the laying of more than 68 kilometres of fibre-optic cables, and the replacement and reorganisation of existing lines and transformers.
Also present at the event were the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, who is also the Asajaya Assemblyman, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Energy and Telecommunication), Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo.
Others in attendance included the Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Member of Parliament for Kota Samarahan, Datuk Rubiah Wang, Member of Parliament for Batang Sadong, Rodiyah Sapiee, Member of Parliament for Batang Lupar, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Lingga Assemblywoman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Simunjan Assemblyman, Awla Dris, Beting Maro Assemblyman, Razaili Gapor, Samarahan Resident, Mohd Irwan Bahari Bujang, along with other invited guests. -UKASnews
