KOTA KINABALU: The Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection Project represents a significant contribution to Malaysia’s energy transition agenda while strengthening national energy security, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the project demonstrates how cooperation at the state level can support long-term sustainability goals under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NET-R).
“Since 2016, Sarawak has been exporting electricity to West Kalimantan, marking our first cross-border power interconnection.
‘This decade-long partnership has demonstrated the tangible benefits of regional energy cooperation, including improved system reliability, more efficient resource utilisation, stronger cross-border relationships and enhanced sustainability outcomes through reduced reliance on carbon-intensive generation.
“The experience gained from this interconnection is what laid the foundation for the Sarawak-Sabah Interconnection and reinforced the understanding that power interconnections are not merely technical projects, but strategic enablers of shared and sustainable growth,” he said in his speech at the officiating ceremony of the project held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today (Jan 24).
He added that the project is aligned with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which supports inclusive and sustainable economic development, while strengthening the reliability of electricity supply and supporting economic activities in both states.
“At the same time, the project advances the objectives of the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P) by enabling Sarawak to share its renewable energy resources, thereby contributing to a more balanced and lower-carbon regional energy mix,” he said.
Meanwhile, the project extends beyond Borneo and contributes directly to the realisation of the ASEAN Power Grid, a regional network built on reliability, shared benefits and collective prosperity.
“By providing the physical and operational backbone, this interconnection positions Sarawak and Sabah as key contributors to ASEAN’s sustainable energy future and as a model of how sub-national initiatives can support regional energy security and sustainability.
“As ASEAN moves towards a fully integrated power system, such efforts are crucial in facilitating electricity trade, balancing supply and demand, and supporting a low-carbon energy landscape driven by renewable resources.
“Let this endeavour stand as a symbol of our shared achievement towards a future where clean energy drives growth and unites Borneo and ASEAN,” he said.
In this regard, he stressed that Sarawak remains committed to strategic energy planning that drives sustainable development, strengthens regional cooperation and enhances long-term economic competitiveness.
“We will continue to invest in resilient infrastructure and accelerate the energy transition to ensure that electricity supply remains affordable, reliable and accessible to all.”
“Since 2016, Sarawak has been exporting electricity to West Kalimantan, marking our first cross-border power interconnection.
‘This decade-long partnership has demonstrated the tangible benefits of regional energy cooperation, including improved system reliability, more efficient resource utilisation, stronger cross-border relationships and enhanced sustainability outcomes through reduced reliance on carbon-intensive generation.
“The experience gained from this interconnection is what laid the foundation for the Sarawak-Sabah Interconnection and reinforced the understanding that power interconnections are not merely technical projects, but strategic enablers of shared and sustainable growth,” he said in his speech at the officiating ceremony of the project held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today (Jan 24).
He added that the project is aligned with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which supports inclusive and sustainable economic development, while strengthening the reliability of electricity supply and supporting economic activities in both states.
“At the same time, the project advances the objectives of the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P) by enabling Sarawak to share its renewable energy resources, thereby contributing to a more balanced and lower-carbon regional energy mix,” he said.
Meanwhile, the project extends beyond Borneo and contributes directly to the realisation of the ASEAN Power Grid, a regional network built on reliability, shared benefits and collective prosperity.
“By providing the physical and operational backbone, this interconnection positions Sarawak and Sabah as key contributors to ASEAN’s sustainable energy future and as a model of how sub-national initiatives can support regional energy security and sustainability.
“As ASEAN moves towards a fully integrated power system, such efforts are crucial in facilitating electricity trade, balancing supply and demand, and supporting a low-carbon energy landscape driven by renewable resources.
“Let this endeavour stand as a symbol of our shared achievement towards a future where clean energy drives growth and unites Borneo and ASEAN,” he said.
In this regard, he stressed that Sarawak remains committed to strategic energy planning that drives sustainable development, strengthens regional cooperation and enhances long-term economic competitiveness.
“We will continue to invest in resilient infrastructure and accelerate the energy transition to ensure that electricity supply remains affordable, reliable and accessible to all.”