KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has approved an allocation of RM199 million to implement electricity supply projects under Alternative Financing and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) this year.
Utility and Telecommunications Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said that in line with this, Sarawak Energy Bhd must formulate thorough planning and action plans to ensure projects are implemented according to schedule.
“This step is to ensure that projects under this allocation are carried out on schedule and that the funds are fully utilised,” he said.
He was addressing his ministry’s officers and staff at an event held at the Imperial Hotel here today.
Julaihi said that overall electricity supply coverage in Sarawak has currently reached 99.7 per cent, while electricity generation capacity has reached 5,898 megawatts (MW).
“In line with the aspirations of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, generation capacity is targeted to increase to 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 15GW by 2035,” he explained.
Elaborating further, he said that at least 60 per cent of the generation mix will come from renewable energy sources, such as hydro, solar, Cascading Power Systems (CPS), Pumped Storage Hydroelectric (PSH) and biomass.
“Therefore, I hope Sarawak Energy will play a more proactive role as the single buyer in encouraging investment for the development of renewable energy-based projects.
“I am very confident that this effort will not only strengthen the renewable energy ecosystem in Sarawak, but also realise the Sarawak Government’s vision of emerging as a renewable energy hub in the region,” he said.
Touching on the Additional or Late Applicant Programme (ALAF), he urged Sarawak Energy to expedite its implementation in line with the established planning.
“We need to recognise that the lifestyle of rural residents has changed significantly in tandem with rapid development, which in turn has increased demand for electricity supply.
“We are also aware that several areas, particularly in rural regions, frequently experience power supply disruptions, including during festive seasons in certain locations.
“Therefore, I hope Sarawak Energy will continue to intensify efforts to improve the quality of electricity supply, especially in rural areas, so that these issues can be addressed and resolved promptly,” he added.
On developments in the telecommunications sector, he informed that internet coverage by settlement in Sarawak had reached 94.5 per cent as of 2025.
At the same time, he expressed hope that the implementation of Phase 2 of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) under the Federal Government through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can be expedited.
“This is especially important considering blind spot areas along the Pan Borneo Highway, Coastal Road, Second Trunk Road, as well as other major roads,” he said.
He added that SACOFA is currently implementing initiatives to improve existing networks, involving upgrading fibre optic networks and increasing network capacity.
“This also includes strengthening supporting infrastructure for service provision by telecommunications providers such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and others.
“Therefore, I hope SACOFA will implement these initiatives according to plan to reduce network congestion and provide more stable internet connectivity, ultimately benefiting the people,” he said.
