By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 21: A RM150 million rural electricity grid upgrading project involving a 124-kilometre transmission line across five districts is expected to be completed by December 2028 as part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure across the State.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the project involves the construction of an electricity transmission line spanning Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Simunjan, and Sebuyau, extending to Gedong.
To support the transmission network, 1,600 utility poles are being installed in stages by Showfield Sdn Bhd under the supervision of Sarawak Energy through Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco).
In addition to the land transmission line, the project includes the installation of high-quality submarine cables across the river crossing from Sebuyau to Asajaya, extending to Batang Sadong Bridge.
“To ensure long-term safety and durability, the riverbed cable is buried at a depth of 1.5 metres, or approximately five feet, beneath the riverbed to safeguard the utility infrastructure,” he said during a site visit on Monday (July 20), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He added that authorities have reminded maritime logistics operators and vessel owners not to anchor within the prohibited zone along the cable route to prevent damage to the utility infrastructure.
Julaihi said the project forms part of the Sarawak government’s commitment to expanding the implementation of the Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) system throughout the State to improve electricity supply reliability.
He said the upgrade is intended to minimise power supply disruptions caused by external factors such as contact with tree branches or wildlife.
“Unlike conventional cables, the MVCC system uses fully insulated and protected technology.
“As such, it is not susceptible to unforeseen disruptions such as birds perching on the lines or contact with tree branches, which were often the cause of power outages in the past,” he said. — DayakDaily
