Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Additional Late Applicant Fund ongoing despite power exports

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Julaihi (centre) during the press conference.

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KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak government continues to implement the Additional Late Applicant Fund (ALAF) to provide electricity to rural communities in phases.

Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi addressed the misconception that Sarawak prioritises exporting electricity, particularly to Kalimantan, over domestic rural supply.

He clarified that exports to Kalimantan since 2016 are not free and are charged at a much higher tariff than local rates.

“We must help our neighbours, but our people come first. ALAF is very much ongoing.

“Sarawak also will supply 30 megawatt (MW) of electricity to Sabah under a power exchange agreement, with potential to increase this to 50MW or 80MW, depending on grid stability.

“Plans are also underway to supply power to Brunei, and to Singapore via a capped 1,000MW subsea cable in the future,” he said during a press conference after officiating the handover of the Samarahan Division Phase 8 Village Street Lighting (LJK) Project at Kampung Merdang Lumut Hall here today.

Julaihi reiterated that ALAF is still ongoing, with RM315 million allocated under Phases 1 to 4.

He said these phases are being implemented progressively, and another RM550 million has been approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for upcoming phases.

“We don’t want people to wonder, ‘Why hasn’t my village or longhouse received electricity yet?’

“The implementation of ALAF follows a queue system to ensure fair distribution, especially for remote and hard-to-reach longhouses and villages.

“Sarawak is vast, and the challenges include topography, distance, terrain and other difficulties that require coordination on many fronts,” he added.

Julaihi said Sarawak has also approved up to 1,000MW for Peninsular Malaysia, but this does not compromise internal needs.

At present, he said Sarawak generates 5.8 gigawatt (GW) of electricity, while its demand stands at only about 4.8GW, leaving a healthy reserve margin.

“This shows we have more than enough for our people. Rural electrification remains a priority under ALAF,” he said.

He added that the state is committed to inclusive development, ensuring rural residents enjoy the same basic amenities as urban areas.

“Development must be balanced. What is felt in the urban area should also be enjoyed by those in the hinterland,” said Julaihi.

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