Sungai Merah Transmission & Substation Project Boosts Power Supply Reliability, Capacity In Sibu
SIBU: The Sungai Merah Transmission and Substation Project has strengthened electricity supply reliability and increased network capacity in Sibu by providing a second bulk power injection into the city through the 132kV Coastal Grid, according to a statement on Friday.
The project's role in supporting communities, businesses and future development was highlighted during a site visit to the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation by Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
"The project comprises the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation, the Sungai Maaw 132kV Substation Extension, and the Sungai Merah-Sungai Maaw 132kV hybrid transmission line and underground cable connection," the statement said.
The substation was commissioned on 11 July 2025.
Together, the infrastructure provides a second injection point into Sibu through the 132kV Coastal Grid and supports growing electricity demand in areas such as New Sungai Merah, Ulu Sungai Merah, Rantau Panjang, Nanga Tutus, Pasai Siong and Teku.
Sarawak Energy's team, led by Syarikat SESCO Berhad Chief Executive Officer Yusri Safri, briefed the minister on how the project has addressed previous network constraints involving the existing 33kV underground cable connection between Deshon and New Sungai Merah.
The new 132kV transmission infrastructure provides greater power transfer capacity in managing electricity supply across Sibu.
The project also supports the N-1 reliability standard, which enables the power system to continue operating when a major network component is unavailable, reducing reliance on a single supply route and strengthening the network's ability to manage equipment or transmission interruptions, according to the statement.
The Sungai Merah Transmission and Substation Project is part of Sarawak Energy's ongoing efforts to strengthen Sibu's electricity network as the area continues to develop.
"The Ministry and Sarawak Energy will continue to work together to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve supply reliability and network resilience across Sarawak," the statement added. -UKASnews
