KUCHING: Sarawak is set to launch electricity supply via Limbang to Sipitang and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah within the next two months, strengthening regional power connectivity under the Asean grid initiative.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move would extend Sarawak’s electricity exports beyond its current supply to Kalimantan, with Brunei also expected to be connected in the near future.
“Sarawak has already started the Asean power grid. By 2030, we expect to have a capacity of 10,000 megawatts. I have pledged to supply one gigawatt to Peninsular Malaysia and another one gigawatt to Singapore.
“We are already supplying electricity to Kalimantan, and we have a joint venture with Indonesia to supply power to Mataram through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). In that sense, Sarawak has done its part for Asean,” he said.
He was speaking during the townhall session held in conjunction with the ninth anniversary of his administration at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Tuesday (Jan 13).
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s power strategy focused on diversifying energy sources, including the development of cascading dams, that generate electricity using river flow and gravity without submerging large land areas.
He said this approach would complement existing hydropower and solar generation, noting that while solar energy required battery and photovoltaic storage systems, new technologies could be integrated to strengthen supply reliability.
“With sufficient supply, we can build a strong state grid using the power sources we already have,” he added.
On rural development, Abang Johari said the state was prioritising infrastructure in Baram, including the construction of a comprehensive road network linking Miri to Marudi, Marudi to Long Terawan, and Long Terawan to Mulu, at a cost of RM3.2 billion.
He said the project would eventually connect Mulu to Limbang and onward to Lawas, linking the area to the Sabah–Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) and improving access across northern Sarawak.
Abang Johari said the state had also taken over former logging roads to convert them into public roads, removing toll charges previously imposed by concessionaires on longhouse communities, particularly in Baram.
“We are doing this, and it will certainly benefit the communities in Baram. The land there is suitable for coffee cultivation.
“By opening up the area, the rural economy can grow, including improvements in electricity and water supply,” he added.
