By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 13: Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) is requested to assess electricity requirements within the rural area with plans to transition from single to three phases, says Minister of Utility and Telecommunications (MUT) Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
Julaihi said that the current single-phase electricity supply is not sufficient to provide for the changing lifestyle in rural areas. Therefore, it (single-phase electricity supply) will have to be upgraded to three phases.
“We know that all this while, the rural areas are installed with single-phase (electricity supply), which is easy to overload, especially during the festive season. Electrical outages can happen anytime,” he said during a press conference at the media room of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
He cited the rapid development in the rural areas that led to the evolving lifestyle of its residents while emphasising the shift in their electricity needs from basic home lighting to a broader range of usage that encompasses various daily activities.
“Previously, they (rural residents) need electricity supply to light up their homes. But if you care to go to the rural areas now, they have air conditioners, rice cookers, ovens, freezers, and many more. This (usage) needs a big supply of electricity.
“It (electricity supply) has to correspond to today’s needs,” said Julaihi.
His deputies, Liwan Lagang and Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, were also present at the press conference. — DayakDaily
