Kalaka rep: Frequent power blackouts, hospital shortcomings plague Saratok residents
by marilyn ten · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 27): Frequent power outages have severely disrupted the lives of residents, especially in the Kalaka area, said Mohamad Duri.
The Kalaka assemblyman said there had been instances of blackouts occurring six times consecutively in a single day on July 31, and just recently, another prolonged outage which lasted 22 hours on Tuesday (Nov 25).
In view of this, he proposed implementing a ‘looping’ system on the 11kV and 33kV distribution lines to shorten outage durations and reduce the System Average Interruption Duration Index (Saidi) and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (Saifi).
According to him, Saratok currently receives 33kV supply via an approximately 60-kilometre overhead line (HBL5 and H9L5) from Sarikei, and if both lines face technical issues, Saratok is left without backup supply.
“Therefore, Saratok town urgently needs a stable electricity supply through a new 33kV monopole overhead line system from the 132/33kV Serudit Substation.
“I represent the people in urging and requesting that this 33kV monopole line project be implemented immediately so that Saratok has a backup supply,” he said when debating the 2026 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here.
He also called for the Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) upgrade project to be expedited to prevent outages caused by falling trees, broken branches, and lightning.
On another matter, Mohamad said many locals have also complained about numerous shortcomings at Saratok Hospital, particularly as patients are frequently referred to Sarikei Hospital.
“This creates problems for patients from Saratok due to the distance and increased costs, and there have even been reports of patients passing away midway during the journey,” he said.
He added that the outpatient area is often overcrowded and uncomfortable for patients, including congestion at the pharmacy counter.
He said the main issue is the shortage of medical officers in the Outpatient Department, resulting in long waiting times and worsening congestion.
“I believe that if a Saratok Health Clinic (under Betong Division Health Office and Saratok District Health Office) is built, this congestion can be resolved, and the hospital can focus more on core hospital services.
“I appeal and request that the government and the relevant ministries give due attention to the issues faced by the people in Saratok, including posting a family medicine specialist and a public health medical officer to the Outpatient Department,” he said.