SAMARAHAN: Electricity supply across the Samarahan Division is set to become more reliable with the installation of 124 kilometres of Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) lines under a RM150-million Sarawak Government-funded project scheduled for completion by December 2028.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said the project aims to improve the reliability of the power network and reduce service disruptions for residents in Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong.
“The project, which involves the installation of about 1,600 poles, will benefit communities across these areas by ensuring a more reliable power supply,” he told reporters after a working visit to the MVCC project site at Kampung Sungai Buluh on Saturday (July 19).
He explained that MVCC technology uses insulated conductors, reducing the risk of outages caused by birds, tree branches or other objects striking overhead power lines.
“Conventional uninsulated power lines are easily affected when this happens, which can result in power disruptions or outages.
“Once this project is completed, such incidents will no longer easily interrupt electricity supply, making the network far more reliable.
“This reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to ensuring a dependable electricity supply in the Samarahan Division while reducing service interruptions over time,” he said.
Julaihi added that the project also includes the installation of a 1.8-kilometre riverbed cable linking Sebuyau and Sadong Jaya, which is now nearing completion.
He said the new cable will serve as an additional connection alongside the existing river crossing cable leading to Tanjung Pisang and has been laid 1.5 metres beneath the riverbed.
As such, he advised vessels not to anchor within a two-kilometre radius of the Batang Sadong Bridge to avoid damaging the underwater cable with their anchors.
Meanwhile, Julaihi said MVCC upgrades have also been carried out in several other parts of Sarawak, including Dalat, Julau, Nanga Ngungun and the route to Kapit.
He noted that electricity supply in Dalat has become significantly more stable following the implementation of the MVCC system.
“Our priority is to ensure electricity reaches consumers, and the next step is to upgrade existing lines to MVCC whenever contact-related disruptions occur.
“The same approach is being expanded to rural areas to improve the reliability of electricity services,” he added.
