KOTA KINABALU: The energisation of the Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection marks a major breakthrough in advancing the long-envisioned Borneo Grid, strengthening energy security and system resilience across northern Borneo, says Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.
He said the interconnection, which was successfully energised on Dec 13, 2025, demonstrated that well-governed and carefully planned cooperation between neighbouring power systems was not only feasible but capable of delivering tangible benefits to both Sarawak and Sabah.
“This milestone reflects the shared commitment of Sarawak and Sabah to strengthen energy security through collaboration. It proves that interstate power exchange can be achieved despite technical, regulatory and operational challenges,” he said at the official energisation ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre today (Jan 24).
The ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor.
Sharbini said the journey began in 2021 when Sarawak Energy and Sabah Electricity formalised their collaboration through a Power Exchange and Interconnection Agreement, laying the foundation for cross-state power sharing.
On the Sarawak side, he said the project was supported by the commissioning of the 275kV Bunut–Medamit–Lawas transmission lines and the Lawas Substation in November 2025, which completed the integration of Limbang and Lawas into the Sarawak Grid.
“This 326-kilometre transmission corridor, involving 881 transmission towers, now forms a critical backbone for inter-regional connectivity across northern Borneo,” he said.
With successful system synchronisation, Sharbini said Sarawak is now able to supply up to 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Sabah, with flexibility to scale capacity in line with system conditions and future demand growth.
He added that the project represents Sarawak Energy’s second power interconnection in Borneo, following the Sarawak–West Kalimantan link commissioned in 2016, and a significant step forward in interstate power exchange within East Malaysia.
“The benefits are clear and long-term. For Sabah, the interconnection enhances system stability to support growing demand. For Sarawak, it strengthens grid resilience, optimises generation resources and supports the transition away from diesel-based generation in the northern region,” he said.
Sharbini said the interconnection also translated regional commitments into concrete action, noting that leaders at the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0 in Kuching last September had agreed that energy security could no longer be pursued in isolation.
“The Sarawak–Sabah interconnection moves the Borneo Grid from concept into reality, building on Sarawak’s proven experience in regional power exchange,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said expanded collaboration with Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan would enable more efficient operations and greater integration of renewable energy, benefitting the entire region as Borneo transitions towards a low-carbon future.
“This milestone reflects the shared commitment of Sarawak and Sabah to strengthen energy security through collaboration. It proves that interstate power exchange can be achieved despite technical, regulatory and operational challenges,” he said at the official energisation ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre today (Jan 24).
The ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor.
Sharbini said the journey began in 2021 when Sarawak Energy and Sabah Electricity formalised their collaboration through a Power Exchange and Interconnection Agreement, laying the foundation for cross-state power sharing.
On the Sarawak side, he said the project was supported by the commissioning of the 275kV Bunut–Medamit–Lawas transmission lines and the Lawas Substation in November 2025, which completed the integration of Limbang and Lawas into the Sarawak Grid.
“This 326-kilometre transmission corridor, involving 881 transmission towers, now forms a critical backbone for inter-regional connectivity across northern Borneo,” he said.
With successful system synchronisation, Sharbini said Sarawak is now able to supply up to 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Sabah, with flexibility to scale capacity in line with system conditions and future demand growth.
He added that the project represents Sarawak Energy’s second power interconnection in Borneo, following the Sarawak–West Kalimantan link commissioned in 2016, and a significant step forward in interstate power exchange within East Malaysia.
“The benefits are clear and long-term. For Sabah, the interconnection enhances system stability to support growing demand. For Sarawak, it strengthens grid resilience, optimises generation resources and supports the transition away from diesel-based generation in the northern region,” he said.
Sharbini said the interconnection also translated regional commitments into concrete action, noting that leaders at the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0 in Kuching last September had agreed that energy security could no longer be pursued in isolation.
“The Sarawak–Sabah interconnection moves the Borneo Grid from concept into reality, building on Sarawak’s proven experience in regional power exchange,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said expanded collaboration with Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan would enable more efficient operations and greater integration of renewable energy, benefitting the entire region as Borneo transitions towards a low-carbon future.