Kota kinabalu: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has earmarked over RM260 million for seven energy projects across Sabah and Labuan, aiming to enhance the electricity supply for 60,434 users, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and PETRA Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these projects, implemented by the Sabah Electricity Supply Special Project Team (PPKBES), include substation upgrades, expanded grid connectivity, and improved safety monitoring systems in Sipitang, Beaufort, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Ranau, Sandakan, and Labuan. The initiatives have bolstered the transmission and distribution infrastructure in the regions, ensuring a more reliable power supply and reflecting the federal government’s commitment to energy resilience in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda.

The announcement was made during a press briefing following the project handover ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu Main Intake Substation (PMU KKBU). Also attending the event were PETRA Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and PETRA Secretary-General Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli.

Fadillah detailed that the PMU KKBU project involves the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear and transformer facility to replace outdated systems, along with new cabling to improve electricity supply to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

He further noted the completion of a seven-kilometre transmission line from the Menggalong PMU to the Sipitang-Lawas border, a significant PPKBES project, which was finalized on September 2 of last year. This line will facilitate the import of 30 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Sarawak once Sarawak Energy completes its section in September.

The newly designed grid is capable of carrying up to 500 MW and serves as a vital component of the ASEAN Power Grid, which connects Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Philippines for sustainable cross-border energy sharing.