DUN Sarawak: Sarawak aims to expand electricity exports to three destinations

KUCHING, 19 Oct: Sarawak plans to expand electricity exports to Brunei, Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia to strengthen its position as an ASEAN Battery and regional power hub.

Sarawak's Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the planned exports involved at least 30 megawatts (MW) to Brunei, no more than 1,000 MW to Singapore and no less than 1,000 MW to Peninsular Malaysia.

According to him, at present Sarawak is exporting an average of 100 MW of electricity to West Kalimantan and 30 MW to Sabah.

"The project to connect Tara to Brunei is still under negotiation and feasibility study, Singapore is in the maritime cable policy review study, while Peninsular Malaysia is in preliminary discussions", he said.

He said this while delivering the inaugural address to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

Julaihi explained that efforts to expand energy exports were implemented through the development of Borneo Power Grid and ASEAN Power Grid, in line with Sarawak's efforts to strengthen its role as an ASEAN Battery.

According to him, Sarawak has abundant natural resources and great potential for electricity generation from various sources.

"Our electricity generation capacity is not only enough to meet domestic demand in urban and rural areas, but also allows more energy to be exported to neighbouring countries.

"This energy export will generate additional income to Sarawak, thus strengthening Sarawak's position as a regional energy hub and supporting continued efforts in driving socio-economic development and enhancing people's prosperity", he said.