Julaihi: Power export to Singapore won’t affect Sarawak
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The export of electricity to Singapore will not affect ongoing efforts to ensure full electricity coverage in Sarawak, said Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, Julaihi said he took note of the worries raised by netizens on social media and assured that Sarawak has sufficient electricity for its own consumption.
“I have kept pace with what is going on in social media. I read comments such as ‘why Sarawak gago-gago (is busy) want to export electricity to Singapore when not many areas are linked to electricity?’
“Some areas are not covered with electricity supply because the houses are newly-built and some se lements are located off-grid and inaccessible. It is ma er of time before their houses will be linked to electricity.
“It does not have an impact on our proposed power exchange to Singapore. Sik ada langsung (none at all), because we have sufficient electricity for domestic consumption in Sarawak,” he said.
To another question, Julaihi said the tariffs to be charged to Singapore when the power exchange is realised will be “much higher” than what consumers in Sarawak are charged.
“Ours is still cheaper than what we export. The tariffs charged on Singapore will be higher because that is our income for Sarawak in the long term. We already export electricity to Kalimantan for few years and it is still ongoing.
“We will also export to Sabah which, according to our power exchange agreement, is supposed to (commence) on Nov 30 but we have a grace period of six months to supply to Sabah,” he said.
Julaihi also said the sale of electricity to Singapore is based on agreement and understanding between both sides.
According to him, the submarine sea (subsea) cable will involve a distance of about 700km which will be going through Muri-Midai Corridor where Malaysia and Indonesia have signed a treaty.
About 80 per cent of the cable will be in the Indonesian waters, while 20 per cent will be in the Malaysian waters, he added.
“Firstly, we only sell electricity, the (cost of laying) subsea cable is borne by Singapore. Secondly, we sell by capping to maximum of 1,000MW only. If there is an energy-intensive industry that wants to invest in Singapore but the electricity supply is not sufficient, we put a condition that the industry is relocated to Sarawak.
“This will benefit the growth of industries in Sarawak, which contributes to economic development in Malaysia, not just Sarawak only. These are among our conditions,” he said.
Julaihi however did not want to reveal more details on the tariff rates and other ma ers, stressing that it is still under commercial negotiation between both sides.
“The negotiation is progressing to advanced stage already. When all is finalised, the Premier will disclose it. At the moment, we cannot disclose everything.”
On Sept 6, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government, together with its Singapore partners Sembcorp International and Singapore Power Group, had completed a comprehensive technical study and that the commercial negotiations were at an advanced stage.
The Premier had two days prior also said he saw nothing wrong with Sarawak exporting energy to Singapore, viewing it as a win-win solution whereby Singapore in turn would position its investments in Sarawak.
It had been reported on Jan 30 this year that the proposed export of electricity would cost up to SG$8 billion if realised.