By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 23: Samarahan is stepping out of its long-held ‘remote’ label as a comprehensive electricity upgrade worth RM150 million delivers stable, modern power to homes and businesses, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
Speaking after officiating the launch of the Samarahan Division Electricity Upgrading Project at the Kampung Sampat Sebangan hall in Sebuyau today, Abang Johari said the division’s rapid development and changing lifestyles had outgrown the old single-phase system, which was no longer adequate to meet household and economic needs.
“When the Rural Electrification Scheme was first introduced in the late 1970s, homes only needed enough electricity for basic appliances such as refrigerators. Today, families use electric rice cookers, air conditioning, and other modern devices. The old system cannot meet these demands,” he said during the programme, which was streamed live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
The upgrade includes modern insulated cabling and new substations in Asajaya and Sebuyau, providing three-phase electricity that ensures a more reliable supply and reduces power disruptions. Residents and small businesses in Samarahan will now enjoy electricity standards comparable to those in urban centres.
Abang Johari also warned that vandalism and copper theft remain serious threats, noting past incidents had disrupted projects and left entire communities without power. The State government has strengthened monitoring and reporting measures to protect the upgraded infrastructure, but public cooperation is vital.
He called on local leaders and residents to report suspicious activity to safeguard the system and ensure the project proceeds smoothly.
“Reliable electricity is not just about power. It underpins daily life, supports livelihoods, and enables long-term development,” he said.
Following completion in Samarahan and Sebuyau, similar upgrades will be extended to Betong and areas near Sri Aman, aiming to provide equitable and modern electricity supply across southern Sarawak within the next five to seven years.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts and Asajaya assemblyman, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (Sarawak Energy and PETROS), Datuk Ibrahim Baki; Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (Power and Telecommunications), Datuk Liwan Lagang; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; and Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, were present at the event.
In addition, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and MP for Kota Samarahan, Datuk Rubiah Wang; MP for Batang Sadong, Rodiyah Sapiee; MP for Batang Lupar, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli; Lingga assemblywoman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor; Simunjan assemblyman, Awla Dris; Beting Maro assemblyman, Razaili Gapor; and Samarahan Resident, Mohd Irwan Bahari Bujang, were also in attendance. — DayakDaily
