ELECTRICITY UPGRADE FOR SAMARAHAN BEGINS DECEMBER, COMPLETION BY 2028

KUCHING, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The electricity upgrade project in the Samarahan Division, starting next month and completed in phases until end-2028, is expected to increase supply capacity and provide more stable power for residents.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government has approved RM150 million for the high-impact project, which uses Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) technology to reduce outages caused by bad weather and lightning.

He said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has been tasked to implement the project, noting that Samarahan frequently experiences power “trips”.

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“The project also supports ongoing development in the division, including plans for a new airport, a port in Tanjung Embang, and expanding road infrastructure to open new growth areas, he said. 

Speaking at the launch in Kampung Sampat, Sebuyau, he said the project will cover six districts — Samarahan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong — with preliminary works beginning in December.

The project consists of five main packages, including 22.5 km of MVCC lines from Asajaya to Batang Sadong Bridge and two subsea cables spanning Sungai Batang Sadong. 

It also includes 110 km of MVCC lines from the Batang Sadong Bridge to Sebuyau, Simunjan and Gedong, along with 68.6 km of fibre optic cables from Asajaya to Sebuyau.

Abang Johari said transformer upgrades and line reorganising will be carried out to meet rising demand, stressing the state’s commitment to stronger and more sustainable energy infrastructure.

He urged community leaders to cooperate with authorities to prevent cable theft and vandalism during the project period.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the project will significantly benefit locals by reducing power disruptions that often damage home and business electrical appliances.

Julaihi added that improved supply stability will drive economic growth and attract new investments, with the ministry and SEB continuing regular line monitoring using drones, thermal scanning, vegetation clearing and scheduled maintenance.

-- BERNAMA