S’wak to supply electricity to Sabah in 2Q of 2025, says Julaihi

KUCHING (Nov 18): The energy interconnection project between Sarawak and Sabah is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025.

Minister of Utilities and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi revealed the project had experienced delays due to issues regarding land access permits in the Beluru and Telang Usan areas.

“The Sarawak government, through Sarawak Energy, has signed a Power Exchange Agreement (PEA) with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) to supply 30MW electricity under the Northern Grid Extension (NGE) project.

“However, the project was delayed due to land access issues involving the local communities in the Beluru and Telang Usan areas,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly today.

Julaihi further explained these land access issues are being addressed in collaboration with the Miri Resident’s Office, Beluru and Telang Usan district offices, the Land and Survey Department, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit and Royal Malaysian Police.

He said this cooperation has facilitated smooth legal entry operations, which took place on Aug 27 this year, in the Beluru district along with a community engagement session with Long Meraan residents by the Telang Usan district office on Sept 11 this year.

He added this encompasses various ongoing engagement activities with the Beluru and Telang Usan community since September 2024.

For the record, the project was initially slated for completion in the fourth quarter of this year.