KUCHING: The Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications has assured that the state’s electricity supply is sufficient even though there are plans to export 1,000MW of electricity to Singapore in the near future.
According to its minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak’s current demand for power is only 4,398MW while the electricity supplied to neighbouring countries barely represents two per cent of the state’s total capacity of 5,996MW.
“Therefore, Sarawak still has 1,478 MW of energy available, which is plenty for domestic use and demands,” he said.
Julaihi said this in his opening remarks at the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications Assembly and the launching of his ministry’s Annual Plan 2023 at LCDA Tower, The Isthmus here yesterday.
“In addition to lowering risks by diversifying the market portfolio for our energy, Sarawak will gain from increased revenue from the export of excess capacity.
“The tariff charged to exported electricity is higher than the minimum tariff implemented in Sarawak.
“Even in the long term, the state will benefit, especially in terms of increased income,” he said.
In a related event, Julaihi stated that the water supply in Sarawak’s urban areas had now nearly reached 100 per cent.
He further stated that by 2070, the demand for clean water supply in Sarawak was predicted to rise to 4,600 Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) from the current projection of 2,000 MLD.
“As of now, Sarawak has an overall water supply coverage rate of 83.7 per cent, with coverage rates of 67.2 per cent in rural areas and 99.9 per cent in urban areas.
“My ministry needs an anticipated allocation of RM19.2 billion to realise the aim, this is in accordance with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) target to ensure full coverage of clean, safe, and uninterrupted water supply.”
Simultaneously, he said, a study regarding the establishment of a water supply entity and a regulatory corporate body was being conducted.
The initiative for the transformation of the water industry under PCDS 2030 aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of water resource management.
Regarding electricity supply, Julaihi confirmed that his ministry through the implementing agency Sarawak Energy Berhad had drawn up the 2030 Rural Electricity Development Master Plan.
“This plan is designed to identify areas that use autonomous systems that have access roads during that period to connect to the electricity grid.
“Regarding the assistance of the Tanbahan or Late Applicant Fund (ALAF), I would like to remind you that this initiative is still implemented continuously and in stages,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Ministers of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang (Telecommunication) and Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (Utility); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Jafri Lias; Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Energy Group (SEB) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and Director of Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Ir. Chang Kuet Shian.
