LAWAS: The integration of Lawas into the Sarawak Grid System completes the state’s electricity grid network and will serve as the main interconnection point between Sarawak and Sabah.
Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) Vice-President (Transmission), Raphael Chung, said the Lawas Town 275/33kV Substation serves as the main interconnection point to the Sarawak state grid, thus enabling cross-border power transfer between Sarawak and Sabah.
He said this in a briefing during the SEB Media Familiarisation Trip at the Lawas Town 275/33kV Substation here today (Jan 22).
In this regard, he added that the initiative connects the Lawas regional network to the Sarawak Main Grid, replacing existing diesel-based generation with grid supply, which improves system reliability, reduces unplanned outages, and delivers cost savings.
At the same time, Chung said it enables the connection of surrounding villages under the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES).
“With the integration of this Lawas substation into the state grid, it will support the gradual decommissioning of the existing diesel power plant.
“It will contribute to a more reliable, cost-effective and sustainable electricity supply for Lawas.
“By replacing diesel-based generation, it will result in significant annual cost savings while also substantially reducing carbon emissions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the direct connection of the Sarawak Main Grid to the district will ensure better electricity supply for Lawas residents, allowing them to enjoy a more stable energy supply in the future.
“This is very much aligned with Sarawak’s shared vision for a sustainable and interconnected energy infrastructure for the entire grid,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November 2025, said that the direct connection of Lawas’ electricity supply to the Sarawak Main Grid was implemented on Dec 4, 2025.
“Lawas will no longer need to rely on diesel power stations (gensets) to generate electricity supply in the future,” he was quoted as saying.
The project began in 2019 and was commissioned on Nov 21, 2025, with the Lawas Distribution Network connected to the Sarawak Main Grid on Dec 4, 2025, followed by the cross-border interconnection with Sabah on Dec 13, 2025.
