RESIDENTS in Lawas will soon enjoy a more stable electricity supply with a direct connection to the Sarawak Main Grid beginning this Dec 4.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said the development also means that the district will no longer need to rely on diesel generator power stations (gensets) to generate electricity.
“I have good news to share with the people of Lawas. Starting Dec 4, Lawas will no longer need to depend on diesel generator power stations.
“This is because the electricity supply system for the Lawas District will be directly connected to the Sarawak Main Grid,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN Sitting here on Monday (Dec 1).
Julaihi added that the 500kV transmission line from Bunut to Similajau was completed in August, completing the 500kV grid system from the Northern Region (Bunut Miri and Similajau Bintulu) to the Central Region (Mapai Sibu) and subsequently to the Southern Region (Tondong Bau).
He said the entire 500kV grid system project cost RM3.4 billion.
“At present, this transmission line operates at 275kV and will be upgraded to 500kV once the Baleh Hydroelectric Power Station begins operations in the fourth quarter of 2029.
“The 275kV transmission line project from Bunut to Lawas has been energised since the third week of November, and the extension to Sabah will begin operating in mid-December.”
He added that the connection from Limbang to the Sarawak Main Grid is now 90 per cent complete and is expected to be fully completed by the middle of next year.
Once completed, he said, the project will consist of five substations and six transmission lines stretching a total of 579 kilometres, costing RM2.8 billion, which will significantly enhance electricity supply reliability in Lawas and Limbang.
“Sarawak Energy is also implementing the 275kV Kuching Network Reinforcement (KNR) project to strengthen the transmission system and support increasing consumer demand in this region.
“KNR Phase One, connecting Entingan in Samarahan to Tanjong Bako, began in December 2023 and is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.
“Meanwhile, KNR Phase Two, connecting Tanjong Bako, Demak Laut, Santubong and Matang, is currently undergoing a feasibility study and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027.”
He added that the project is estimated to cost RM2.4 billion, with construction scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2028.
