By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 3: Sarawak has achieved 99.6 per cent electricity coverage as of Dec 2024, with 99 per cent of rural communities now enjoying 24-hour reliable supply, a milestone aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) of universal energy access.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Sri Julaihi Narawi, in his speech at the opening of the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today, said the achievement came despite accessibility challenges and Sarawak’s complex geographical conditions.
“From rural electrification to grid expansion, we remain steadfast in seeing our aspirations through, recognising that every project strengthens the foundation for economic resilience and sustainable growth in Sarawak, which we look to sharing with our neighbours beyond,” Julaihi said.
He went on to say that the foundational role of the Ministry positions it as a key enabler for projects that bolster energy access while aligning seamlessly with Sarawak’s green and development agendas.
“Over the years, we have advanced infrastructure development in tandem with regulatory updates, moving from the Electricity Rules, 1999, to the robust Revised Electricity Ordinance, Chapter 50 (2003), and most recently to the Electricity (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023.
“These legal enhancements enable the transition to a low-carbon energy system by integrating renewable energy sources while maintaining system reliability and affordability.”
Julaihi further emphasised that the recent amendment to the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance is a game-changer as it introduces clearer, more streamlined procedures and incentives, creating regulatory certainty that attracts Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private sector investment.
“Through these measures, we unlock the potential for next-generation projects, including renewables and hybrid solutions, to come online more swiftly and transparently, contributing to a more dynamic energy market.
“Beyond the shared goal of enhancing the energy sector, we are laying the groundwork for Sarawak’s broader ambition to become a developed and high-income state by 2030, aligning closely with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.
SAREF 4.0 was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and attended by dignitaries and officials including Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Cambodian Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions (Islamic Affairs) Oknha Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan, acting Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma CMG, Deputy Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Awang Mohamad Azmi Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) chairman Dato Ibrahim Baki, as well as Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer and chairman of SAREF 4.0 Datuk Sharbini Suhaili. — DayakDaily
