By Karen Bong
LIMBANG, April 11: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has urged the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication to expedite efforts to connect Limbang to Sarawak’s State electricity grid, stressing the growing urgency as fuel costs continue to rise.
He noted that while Lawas has already been successfully linked to the State grid, Limbang still relies heavily on diesel-powered generator sets, a solution that is increasingly costly and unsustainable.
“Currently, we are still depending on generator sets using fossil fuel. Hopefully this can be expedited as diesel prices are rising and becoming more expensive,” he said when addressing the Sarawakku Sayang Programme for Limbang Division at the Limbang Sports Complex, which was broadcast live via TVS today.
The Limbang leg marked the kick-off of the Sarawakku Sayang Programme, which will be rolled out across 12 divisions statewide, and was officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Awang Tengah, who is also Bukit Sari assemblyman, emphasised that ensuring stable and affordable electricity supply is critical to supporting development and improving the quality of life for residents.
He added that expanding grid connectivity is part of the broader push to strengthen infrastructure across northern Sarawak, in line with the government’s commitment to ensure no area is left behind and to realise the vision of Limbang and Lawas as key gateways to the northern region of Sarawak.
He pointed out that Premier has established several regional development agencies, including the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) covering Limbang and Lawas, to accelerate growth.
“Development planning is both top-down and bottom-up, tailored to the strengths of each area. This reflects a commitment to balanced and ensure inclusive progress without any region being labelled as underdeveloped,” he said.
For Limbang and Lawas, he stressed that ongoing and planned developments are highly significant as major infrastructure projects such as the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) and the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) are set to enhance connectivity, while improved electricity access will further accelerate economic activity and attract investment into the region.
“Sarawak is an important investment destination in Malaysia. Over the past five years, approved investment projects,with some already implemented, have totalled more than RM160 billion, including RM16 billion last year alone,” he shared.
At the same time, Awang Tengah highlighted that construction of a new Lawas Airport and the expansion of Limbang Airport will boost air connectivity, facilitating smoother movement for both people and investors.
“A proposed deep-sea port is also expected to enhance sea connectivity, strengthening the region’s competitiveness in logistics and trade,’ he said.
Awang Tengah added that both divisions hold strong strategic potential, particularly in modern agriculture, including commercial padi cultivation and buffalo farming, as well as eco-tourism as Limbang is home to Sarawak’s highest peak, Gunung Murud, and boasts rich biodiversity.
“Bordering Brunei and located near Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, with Lawas also sharing a border with Indonesia, the region is well-positioned to capitalise on cross-border trade opportunities and evolve into a logistics hub, a vision the government is actively pursuing,” he said. — DayakDaily
