Over 60,000 in Sabah, Labuan enjoy improved electricity from Petra projects
Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 Text Size: Fadillah and others visit the KKBU project. More than 60,000 electricity users in Sabah and Labuan are now enjoying a more stable power supply following the completion of seven energy projects worth over RM260 million by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra). The projects, which include grid upgrades, new substation connections and enhanced safety systems, cover areas from Tanjung Aru to Ranau, Batu Sapi and Labuan. Deputy Prime Minister and Petra Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof officiated the handover ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu Bulk Supply Substation (KKBU), part of a special federal initiative known as PPKBES. The KKBU project, under the 10th Malaysia Plan, replaces outdated systems and now supports 11,452 users including those at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, with enhanced capacity and newer gas-insulated switchgear and transformers. Among the other completed works is the RM34.92 million Labuan–Sipitang grid upgrade, enabling Sabah to eventually import up to 30MW of electricity from Sarawak through a regional Asean Power Grid once Sarawak's portion is completed. Inland, the RM31.3 million Ranau substation has connected the town to the state grid, reducing diesel dependency for over 15,000 users, while the RM30 million Batu Sapi substation has improved distribution in Sandakan's surrounding areas. Also completed are key infrastructure upgrades at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan's Rancha-Rancha substation, and a submarine cable protection system - all contributing to a stronger, cleaner and more reliable power network across the region. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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