KUCHING: The Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications has allocated RM30 million to replace aging and faulty batteries under the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES), ensuring continued electricity supply for remote communities.
Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the initiative aims to keep the off-grid system running at optimal performance, benefiting over 1,600 rural households.
“We need to replace any battery that has exceeded its six-year lifespan. Otherwise, affected households may lose electricity, and complaints will start pouring in,” he said.
“To address this, we have budgeted RM30 million to replace all batteries that are more than six years old,” he added during the Sarawak Energy Sungkei with Stakeholders event at the Sheraton Hotel here last night (Mar 17).
Julaihi also announced that the federal government has approved RM150 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan to upgrade electricity supply infrastructure in the Samarahan Division, with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) as the implementing agency.
“The allocation will cover areas such as Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan, and Gedong, which often face power supply disruptions,” he said.
“With this funding, we aim to resolve recurring power outages and improve reliability in these areas.”
As part of the upgrading effort, a Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) distribution line using insulated line technology will be introduced to strengthen the rural grid system.
Julaihi said the ministry, in collaboration with SEB, has identified 33 key power lines in rural Sarawak that are prone to disruptions. These lines will be progressively replaced with MVCC technology.
“I urge SEB to prioritise the implementation of this project to ensure timely completion and effective resolution of power issues in the targeted areas,” he said.
He also said similar upgrades are being considered for several areas in the Betong Division, while infrastructure improvement plans are underway for Lundu, Lubok Antu, and Lawas to further reduce power outages in the near future.
