Seven projects to boost power supply in Sabah, Labuan
KOTA KINABALU (July 14): More than 60,434 users in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan will benefit from a more stable and efficient electricity supply following the completion of seven major energy projects by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), worth over RM260.7 million.
The projects include substation upgrades, new grid line installations, and advanced safety monitoring systems, covering key areas such as Tanjung Aru, Ranau, Batu Sapi and Labuan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof officiated the handover ceremony during PETRA's Sabah Squad 2025 visit to the Kota Kinabalu 132/33kV Main Intake Substation (PMU KKVBY), one of the flagship projects under the Sabah Electricity Supply Special Project Task Force (PPKBES).
The PMU KKBU project, initiated under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-10), now benefits approximately 11,452 users in the Tanjung Aru and greater Kota Kinabalu area. It involved the installation of 132kV and 33kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) equipment and a 132/33/11kV transformer, replacing the outdated 66/11kV system. It also supports a new 33kV cable line to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), significantly enhancing power supply reliability in the strategic area.
Six other completed projects under PPKBES include: 132kV Labuan-Sipitang Interconnection Project (Phase 1 – Package 2): Valued at RM34.92 million, the project involved a 7km stretch of 275kV transmission towers from Megalong PMU to the Sindumin border, linking Sabah to Lawas, Sarawak. Completed on 2 September 2024, it awaits the final segment by Sarawak Energy, expected in September 2025. Once operational, it will enable the import of up to 30MW of electricity from Sarawak, with a transmission capacity of up to 500MW, enhancing cross-border energy sharing under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. 33/11kV Ranau Main Distribution Substation (PPU): Costing RM31.3 million, this substation began operations on 11 January 2024 and was completed on 15 March 2025. It connects Ranau to the Sabah electricity grid, eliminating reliance on the 18MW diesel-powered generating station, benefiting 15,620 consumers and reducing environmental impact and diesel subsidies. Batu Sapi PPU Project: Valued at RM30.02 million and operational since 13 December 2024, the project modernized the ageing system and improved power distribution efficiency for approximately 4,744 consumers in areas such as Karamunting, Bokara and Kampung Istimewa. Protection Online Monitoring Project: At a cost of RM42 million, this project upgraded communication systems and protection relays, including the installation of a 15km undersea fibre optic cable from Kampung Lambidan (Menumbok) to Tanjung Aru (Labuan). Completed on 5 February 2024, it strengthened grid protection between PMU Beaufort and PMU Rancha-Rancha. 132/33/11kV Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) PMU Project: Worth RM50.01 million and fully operational since 12 August 2024, this project increased firm capacity from 93.51MW to 131.60MW. It significantly reduced the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and improved the 33kV network in Sulaman and Alamesra, directly benefiting over 5,000 users and supporting future expansions, including the UMS Hospital. 11kV Reinforcement System in Labuan:
Completed on 9 November 2024 with a value of RM6.3 million, this project enhanced the protection system at Rancha-Rancha PPU and boosted capacity to support ongoing development in Labuan.
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