KUCHING: State-owned electric utility company, Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), has been urged to review its organisational structure and consider establishing a new entity within it.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this in light of the state’s growing energy sector and increasing demand for power supply.
“I would like to ask SEB to take a new look at your structure.
“Due to the expansion in energy supply, perhaps SEB has to restructure too based on the Electricity Ordinance that you have.
“You look into it because we have separated your production of energy as a separate, distinct commercial entity.
“So, I think I would urge SEB technically to properly study on the matter,” he said.
He said this while attending the Sarawak Energy Vendor Excellence Awards (SEVEA) 2025 held at Waterfront Hotel on Friday night.
Abang Johari, who is also the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, further proposed for a new organisation within SEB to boost the state’s energy capabilities from production to supply in the market.
“I leave it to the SEB board to look into it, and I hope you can provide me a paper (proposal) by the end of this year,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, he said Sarawak is undergoing an energy transition, with the government placing a strong focus on renewable energy.
“The state has set a target of supplying 10 gigawatts (GW) of power by 2030.
“Ongoing infrastructure developments include the installation of combined cycle power plants in Bintulu and Miri.
“On top of that, we are testing solar energy in Batang Ai, and there is strong interest from investors to install floating solar panels in Sarawak,” he said.
With these developments, he said, the state could exceed its 10 GW target by 2030, and by 2035, Sarawak aims to generate 15 GW of power.
“The question is, what are we going to do with our surplus power?
“Sarawak is supplying power to Sabah via its northern grid, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Following this, we have also promised to share our power with Brunei, and the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested we collaborate with Sabah to supply energy to southern Philippines,” he said.
This, he said, would create an energy “loop” from Sarawak to southern Philippines, forming part of the wider ASEAN Energy Grid.
“Malaysia, as the current Chair of ASEAN, will facilitate discussions among heads of government on this initiative, alongside another loop connecting Laos to Singapore,” he said, adding that there are plans to supply 1 GW of power each to Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia in the future.
“Once we have expanded our power supply, SEB vendors will also grow and potentially enter into joint ventures in other regions.
“Thus, maintaining professionalism and meeting SEB’s standard is important,” said Abang Johari.
