LIMBANG is expected to be connected to the main electricity grid next July.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the connection will ensure the entire Limbang Division, including Lawas district and eventually Limbang district, will no longer depend on diesel power stations.
He said with the move, the Sarawak government would be able to save RM150 million in diesel costs annually through direct supply from the mainly hydropower-based grid.
“Additionally, with the connection of Lawas District to the main grid, the performance of the Lawas grid has been significantly improved, thereby providing a more stable and reliable electricity supply.
“This is reflected in the reduction of the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) from 115 minutes in the first quarter of 2025 to 29 minutes in the same period this year,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 18).
He added that Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) is also implementing the 275kV Kuching Network Reinforcement (KNR) transmission line project to improve the transmission system and accommodate the increasing demand from users in the Kuching and Samarahan Divisions.
“Phase One of the 275kV KNR transmission line, which connects Entingan in Samarahan to Tanjong Bako, began in December 2023 and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2028,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said that Phase Two of the project, which connects Tanjong Bako, Demak Laut, Santubong, and Matang, is currently at the feasibility study stage and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
“The project is estimated to cost RM2.4 billion, with construction scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2028,” he said.
