KUCHING: Sarawak’s proposed undersea power interconnection with Johor remains a key national energy infrastructure project, with route approvals and seabed surveys now the primary focus as Malaysia advances efforts to strengthen energy security and connectivity, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
He said project stakeholders are currently awaiting approval from Indonesian authorities to conduct seabed surveys, as approximately 60 to 70 per cent of the proposed cable route traverses Indonesian waters.
“We are waiting for approval for the route so that we can conduct seabed studies through Indonesian waters.
“We have already sent a letter, and once approval is obtained, submarine cables and all the relevant parties involved will carry out seabed surveys to determine the cable route,” he said.
The Sarawak-Johor interconnection is expected to play a strategic role in linking Sarawak’s renewable energy resources with Peninsular Malaysia’s electricity network.
Fadillah added that the project will enhance national energy resilience, support rising electricity demand and create opportunities for future regional power trading.
“The initiative is aligned with broader grid modernisation efforts across Malaysia,” he said.
Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has committed approximately RM42 billion through 2028 to strengthen and expand the national grid, including upgrades to its 500kV transmission infrastructure.
Sarawak is also expected to undertake complementary grid enhancements to support future interconnections.
At the regional level, the project supports the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, which aims to improve cross-border electricity connectivity and facilitate energy sharing among member states.
Coordination efforts are being led by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) in Jakarta, particularly in harmonising technical and regulatory standards.
Several cross-border interconnections are already operational within ASEAN, including links involving Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Sarawak is currently connected to West Kalimantan and Sabah, with plans to extend connectivity to Brunei as part of the proposed Borneo Grid.
