Rising Energy Demand Makes Electricity Supply Upgrades A Priority
SEBUYAU: Upgrading the electricity supply must be prioritised, as current patterns of energy consumption now require far greater capacity than before.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that the lifestyle of rural communities has evolved alongside technological advancement and growing economic needs, which in turn demands a more stable and sufficient electricity system.
“In the past, around 1979, households only used single-phase electricity, which was just enough to get by.
“Times have changed, and today nearly all technologies require much higher energy levels. Naturally, the old supply is no longer adequate,” he explained.
He spoke during a press conference following the officiating ceremony of the Samarahan Division Electricity Supply Upgrade Project held at Dewan Kampung Sampat, Sebangan, on Sunday.
The Premier added that although the Federal Government had previously allocated funds, the implementation was still delayed.
As such, he said the state government took its own initiative by allocating RM150 million to implement three-phase electricity upgrades throughout Samarahan and Sebuyau.
“This upgrade includes the construction of two main substations in Asajaya and Sebuyau, along with the installation of modern, safer and more durable cables designed to reduce tripping and short-circuit incidents,” he said.
He added that once the Samarahan works are completed, the upgrade programme will be extended to the Betong Division, part of the wider effort to ensure southern Sarawak enjoys facilities comparable to those in urban areas.
“In five to seven years, the entire state will be using three-phase electricity.
“This will significantly enhance rural development,” he said. -UKASnews
