PETRA Allocates Over RM260 Million for Power Infrastructure Projects in Sabah and Labuan

The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has allocated more than RM260 million to implement seven key energy infrastructure projects across Sabah and Labuan, aimed at improving electricity supply for over 60,000 users, Deputy Prime Minister and PETRA Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced.

The projects, managed by the Sabah Electricity Supply Special Project Team (PPKBES), include substation upgrades, expanded grid connectivity, and enhanced safety monitoring systems in Sipitang, Beaufort, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Ranau, Sandakan, and Labuan.

“These initiatives have strengthened transmission and distribution infrastructure in Sabah and Labuan, ensuring a more reliable power supply. They reflect the federal government’s commitment to long-term energy resilience under the Malaysia MADANI agenda,” said Fadillah during the official handover ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu Main Intake Substation (PMU KKBU).

Also in attendance were PETRA Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and PETRA Secretary-General Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli.

Fadillah detailed that the PMU KKBU project includes the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear and transformer facility, replacing aging systems and upgrading cabling infrastructure to support a more stable electricity supply to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

He further highlighted the completion of a seven-kilometre transmission line from the Menggalong PMU to the Sipitang-Lawas border, completed on September 2, 2024, as one of PPKBES’ high-impact undertakings. The line will enable the import of 30 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Sarawak, once Sarawak Energy completes its segment of the grid by September 2025.

Designed to handle up to 500 MW, the interconnection is part of the broader ASEAN Power Grid initiative, which aims to facilitate sustainable cross-border energy sharing among Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Philippines.

Officials say these infrastructure developments will not only improve energy reliability in East Malaysia but also position the region for greater integration into regional energy markets under the ASEAN energy cooperation framework.