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More certified electricians needed to expedite power projects

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Utility and Telecomunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi (second right) having discussion with his deputies Datuk Liwan Lagang (right) and Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi (centre) after the briefing during the working visit at Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), while from left the Ministrry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling ang SEB COO James Ung look on. Photo: Ramidi Subari

KUCHING: Sarawak needs more certified and competent electricians in efforts to expedite electric supply projects by Sarawak Energy in the rural areas statewide.

Utility and Telecomunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi. Photo: Ramidi Subari

Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said currently, there was a shortage of electrician contractors to undertake electricity projects.

“The state government and the ministry are now striving to add more competent persons so that we can expedite the implementation of the projects for the benefit of the rural people.

“At the moment we have 32 teams of contractors all over Sarawak, and we want to advise the contractors who got the task, not to be selective in term of the project location. They must be willing to go to rural areas and perform their job responsibility to provide electricity in the areas,” he said.

Julaihi said this at a press conference after attending a special briefing at Sarawak Energy headquarters here on Thursday.

He added that the state government was determined to provide full coverage of electricity including the remote interiors of the state by 2025.

“Now rural electrification is at 96.5 per cent, so we are short of about four per cent. We are trying our best despite the increasing number of applications from time to time and this is one of our challenges that we are facing right now,” he stressed.

Julaihi said electricity supply was not only vital to light up houses in rural areas but also very important for other facilities.

“This is because the lifestyle in the rural area has changed, they too need electricity for their children’s gadgets, house appliances and many more.

“And with ongoing developments in the state, we want rural areas to be fully covered as in the town and city areas,” he said.

Earlier, Julaihi mentioned that the Additional Late Applicant Fund (ALAF) state initiative has received about 40,000 applications, with a total of 7,000 household that benefited from the completed power supply connection.

“The project is ongoing although it is a bit slow due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But then, the applications are increasing due to more houses being built in new rural areas,” he said.

End with pics. (Pics by Ramidi Subari).

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