MORE than 60,434 electricity consumers in Sabah and Labuan are now enjoying more stable and efficient power supply following the implementation of seven major infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), amounting to over RM260.7 million.
The projects, delivered through the Special Power Supply Project Delivery Task Force (PPKBES), involved the upgrading of substations, grid extension works, submarine cable replacement, and online monitoring systems.
They were carried out across several strategic areas, including Tanjung Aru, Ranau, Batu Sapi, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also holds the PETRA portfolio, said the completed projects reflect the federal government’s commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure and service reliability for communities in Sabah and Labuan.
“These projects are meant to ensure that every initiative under our ministry translates into direct improvements for the people, better electricity, fewer disruptions, and greater development potential,” he said during a site inspection under the PETRA Squad Sabah 2025 programme in Kota Kinabalu on Monday.
He added that the initiative is aligned with the aspirations of the Malaysia MADANI framework, which places the well-being of the people at its core.
“We want to ensure that the delivery of energy and water services is not just about completing projects, but about solving real problems on the ground,” Fadillah said.
Among the largest undertakings was the construction of the Kota Kinabalu Bukit Upper (KKBU) primary substation at 132/33kV capacity, which now benefits around 11,452 users in the Tanjung Aru and Kota Kinabalu area.
Other key infrastructure includes the Ranau substation project, completed in March 2024, which has allowed the area to be connected to the Sabah grid while reducing dependence on diesel-powered generation.
This transition has already reduced the need for 18MW diesel generators and cut subsidy use affecting over 15,000 residents.
Fadillah also highlighted the submarine cable replacement project stretching 15 kilometres from Kampung Lambidan in Menumbok, Sabah, to Tanjung Aru in Labuan.
Completed in February 2024, this RM42 million upgrade improves power transmission and enhances system reliability in coastal and island zones.
Another key installation was at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), where capacity was upgraded from 93.51MW to 131.60MW through the completion of a RM50 million substation.
The project not only improves power supply across the university but also strengthens the 33kV distribution system in the surrounding areas of Sulaman and Alamesra.
The ministry also reported that the construction of the 275kV line from Beaufort to Sipitang, completed in September 2024, now enables up to 30MW of electricity to be imported from Sarawak.
This project supports cross-border energy security initiatives under the broader ASEAN Power Grid strategy but currently on hold until Sarawak line is linked to the Sabah grid, said Fadillah, adding that he believed this will be completed any time this year.
“These efforts represent the government’s seriousness in resolving long-standing infrastructure issues in Sabah and Labuan.
“This is about ensuring the well-being of our people and providing infrastructure that supports long-term growth, especially in underserved regions,” he said. - July 14, 2025
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