By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 18: A total allocation of RM200 million will be used to construct a new 275 kilovolt (kV) substation to resolve frequent power supply disruptions in Serian and Tebedu.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) news, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Datuk Martin Ben said the current electricity system is operating beyond its capacity.
“The disruptions are due to the existing supply system operating at 33kV and 11kV, which has exceeded its current capacity,” he said speaking at the closing ceremony of the Biennial General Meeting of the Serian Division Bidayuh Community and Village Heads Association yesterday (Dec 17).
The project is a long-term solution to address increasing electricity demand due to population growth and rapid local development.
He said the new substation is being built by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028.
Once completed, it will improve supply stability and strengthen the power network in both areas.
“This situation has occurred due to increased usage of electrical appliances in homes, in line with population growth and local development,” he said.
Martin, who is also Kedup assemblyman advised residents to use official channels such as SEB Careline to lodge complaints related to electricity supply.
In the meantime, SEB has taken immediate measures to ease the situation including upgrading existing service lines and intensifying clearing works along electricity line routes. — DayakDaily
