MUKAH: Villages in Daro will benefit from round-the-clock electricity supply by the second quarter of next year.
This is when Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) grid extension efforts there are fully completed by the Sarawak government.
Replacing diesel generators with a 24/7 electricity supply supports Sarawak’s goal of achieving net zero emission by 2050.
“We have made great progress since 2009, increasing overall electricity coverage from 79 per cent (56 per cent in rural areas) to almost full coverage (99 per cent in rural areas) by the end of last year,” said Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.
“This achievement is the result of close collaboration between my ministry, Sarawak Energy, contractors and the local community, overcoming challenges such as rough terrain and swamps to lay the foundation for future development,” he said.
Since 2019, the Sarawak government has allocated RM2.4 billion under the ‘Projek Rakyat’ Programme to implement rural electrification initiatives across Sarawak.
To date, 80 per cent of the allocation has been executed by Sarawak Energy, with the remainder at various stages of implementation.
Since its completion in March last year, the RES Last Mile Phase 2 project in Batang Lassa, Daro has provided reliable and affordable electricity to 464 households in 16 villages.
And during a working visit on Feb 21, Julaihi launched the RES Last Mile Phase 3 grid extension project at Rumah Geruka, Batang Lassa 2.
Phase 3 in Batang Lassa 2 will supply electricity to 54 households across three villages, including 27 households at Rumah Geruka.
Meanwhile, Phase 3 in Passin will extend supply to 186 households across eight villages by the second quarter of 2026, ensuring full electrification of Daro.
The implementation of this grid extension project is crucial in establishing the necessary infrastructure to support education, healthcare and socio-economic development.
With access to reliable electricity, local communities are expected to benefit from an improved quality of life and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic growth.
