Over 60,000 in Sabah and Labuan to benefit from major utility upgrades, says Fadillah

The Star

14-07-2025

KOTA KINABALU: Over 60,000 electricity users in Sabah and Labuan are set to benefit from improved utility services following the implementation of major government-backed infrastructure projects spearheaded by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra).
The projects aim to upgrade and expand essential services, including electricity supply, water distribution and flood mitigation, to enhance the quality of life and economic development in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stressed the Federal Government's commitment during a working visit to Sabah under the Skuad Petra programme, an initiative that brings top federal leaders to project sites to assess progress and address challenges directly with state authorities and implementing agencies.
'A total of 60,434 consumers in Sabah and Labuan will benefit from a stable and efficient power supply through the implementation of seven energy projects worth over RM260mil by the ministry.
'This is about ensuring development translates into real outcomes for the people, whether it is electricity, clean water, or flood prevention.
"Where there are issues, we are here to resolve them,' the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister told reporters after officiating the Main Intake Substation (PMU KKBU) in Tanjung Aru near here on Monday (July 14).
Among the major projects completed are the Labuan-Sipitang 275kV interconnection, part of the Asean Power Grid, enabling electricity import from Sarawak to Sabah, new substations and upgraded distribution systems in Ranau, Batu Sapi, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to reduce reliance on diesel power, a 15km undersea fibre optic cable between Menumbok and Tanjung Aru to enhance grid security, and an upgraded 11kV metering system in Labuan, completed late last year.
Fadillah's delegation also reviewed the Sungai Damai Basin 8 Flood Mitigation Project, which is over 54% complete.
Once finished, it is expected to benefit around 17,500 residents in flood-prone areas around Kota Kinabalu.
This project is one of 27 infrastructure initiatives currently underway in Sabah under the latest national rolling development plan.
The overall allocation supports flood mitigation, river rehabilitation, coastal protection, and related works carried out by the Irrigation and Drainage Department.
The Labuan-Sipitang grid connection is part of a broader plan to position Sabah as a key player in the Asean Power Grid, aimed at linking Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Philippines.
'I have been informed that installation works are almost done, although I do not have the exact date. Since it falls under Sarawak's jurisdiction, I believe it may be completed within this year … if I am not mistaken,' Fadillah said.
Once completed, the system will enable Sabah to import power from Sarawak, beginning with 30MW and potentially scaling up to 500MW.
Skuad Petra also visited Kota Kinabalu International Airport, where Malaysia Airports is implementing a rooftop solar system under the Selco (self-consumption) initiative.
Approved in 2022, the system will generate up to 4MW of renewable energy for airport operations.
The final site visit was to the Ketiau Phase 1 Sewerage Treatment Plant, a large-scale sanitation project serving the greater Ketiau area.
Nearly 70% complete as of June, the facility includes a treatment plant capable of serving 50,000 people, along with over 9km of pipeline and the integration of three older systems.
Fadillah acknowledged the challenges faced during implementation but stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring timely delivery.
'These projects reflect our efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Sabah. We will continue monitoring their progress and work closely with all stakeholders to see them through,' he said.