Sarawak govt aims to achieve full electricity coverage by 2025

SIBU: The Sarawak government through the Ministry of Utilities aimed to achieve 99 per cent domestic electricity coverage target by 2020 and full electrification by 2025 under the Accelerated Rural Electrification Master Plan.

Sarawak Energy regional manager for Central Region Nazry Abdul Latip said this on Monday during its media night held at RH Hotel here.

He added the domestic power coverage currently stood at 95 per cent - with rural electricity coverage at 91 per cent compared to just 56 per cent in 2009.

“Despite the logistical and geographical challenges, we are working even harder in the interiors of Sarawak to ensure that all Sarawakians have access to 24-hour reliable electricity supply,” he said.

Nazry also pointed out that Sarawak Energy’s utility arm Sesco is intensifying its efforts to mitigate the increase in power theft cases especially at commercial premises by doubling inspection and executive operations throughout the state.

He added Sarawak Energy will continue to work closely with the police and the electrical inspectorate unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Utilities to curb the menace.

“Stealing electricity is a crime that not only endangers lives but can also damage customers’ electrical appliances,” he cautioned.

According to Nazry, copper theft at electrical facilities is another dangerous crime that can cause injuries and even result in deaths.

He said Sarawak Energy has installed remote monitoring systems and increased patrols to reduce the incidents.

Despite these efforts, theft and vandalism cases are still happening, he lamented.

Nazry also appealed to members of the public to inform them of any suspicious individuals or activities near their facilities. This kind of information can help prevent unnecessary power interruptions or even fatalities.