RM3 bil Kuching power grid to support Tanjung Embang growth, Phase 1 at 32.2 pct completion

Julaihi delivering his ministerial winding-up speech during the DUS sitting on Oct 19, 2026. Photo: Malaysian Information Department (JaPen)

By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, Oct 19: The Kuching Network Reinforcement (KNR) project, estimated at RM3 billion, aims to support development in the Tanjung Embang area and the Kuching Low Carbon Hub, and is currently 32.2 per cent complete.

According to Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Phase 1 of the project, covering the Entingan–Tanjong Bako route, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028.

“The scope of works under KNR Phase 1 includes the following: Entingan B 275kV Substation, which is 30.3 per cent completed; Tanjong Bako 275kV Substation (21 per cent completed); and the 275kV transmission line from Entingan B to Tanjong Bako (77.5 per cent completed),” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

Phase 2, covering the Demak Laut–Santubong route, is undergoing a feasibility study which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2028.

Meanwhile, he said that the development of the approximately 359 km-long 275 kV Northern Grid has enabled grid connections to Lawas on Dec 4, 2025, and Limbang on July 31, 2026. The Sarawak–Sabah grid interconnection via Lawas also commenced operations on Dec 13, 2025.

“The 500kV transmission line connecting Bunut, Similajau, Mapai, and Tondong was completed on Aug 21, 2025, and is operating at 275kV as the second backbone of Sarawak’s transmission system,” he said.

The KNR project is being implemented to fulfil future power requirements arising from planned major developments in the Kuching and Samarahan divisions.

Additionally, the Kuching Low Carbon Hub at Tanjung Embang will serve as an integrated and competitive low-carbon gateway for trade, logistics, and green industries, supported by the new Kuching International Airport and a deep-sea port. — DayakDaily