LAWAS: The state government spends some RM14.4 million a year in subsidies for about 100,000 domestic consumers with monthly electricity bills of RM20 and below.

Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan disclosed this at the breaking of fast and presentation of Raya goodies by Sarawak Electricity Berhad (SEB) to people with disabilities, orphans and senior citizens at Hotel Seri Malaysia here on Saturday.

“The government absorbs RM1.2 million each month for about 100,000 consumers who practically pay nothing,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the lower power tariffs had also led to tangible benefits for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers, including small fledgling entrepreneurs across the state.

“The cottage industries are also enjoying the benefits of lower operation cost from cheaper electricity tariffs,” he said.

He pointed out that the state government would be emphasising on connecting more rural areas to the state grid in the 11th Malaysia Plan, and alternative systems would be proposed for areas which cannot be connected to the grid.

“The alternative system includes micro-hydro, solar or fuel-solar hybrid system which has its limitations previously but better technology is now available and we will consider which is appropriate,” he added.

On plans to boost power supply from the localised grid system in Lawas, he said SEB had approved the proposed Sungai Kota 2 mini-hydro project to churn out another 10MW to meet power demand and reduce dependence on expensive diesel-powered generators in Lawas District.

“I have seen the proposal by SEB but it has yet to be presented to the state cabinet but Sungai Kota 2 will be dependent on the expensive diesel fuel to generate power to meet the demand and spur growth,” he said.

The current Sungai Kota 1 and Kalamuku mini-hydro dams generate barely 2MW and the rest had to be met by diesel-powered plants as Lawas is isolated from the state grid system.

On the fire victims who are resettled in Awat Awat, he called on Sesco to connect the completed Rumah Mesra Rakyat houses to the grid system before Hari Raya.

The minister advised those in the district whose houses were completed after the previous Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) project was implemented in the area to apply for power connection as Sesco had a revolving fund for such cases.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah commended SEB for striking a balance between supplying the state with power supply and consistently upholding its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) such as presenting aid and goodies to the needy in the state.

He was commenting on SEB’s visit to Bintulu, Miri, Limbang and Lawas before proceeding to Kuching and Lubok Antu for its CSR activities in the state.

A total of 88 orphans, 14 new converts, 37 single mothers, 80 disabled persons and 50 senior citizens received the ‘duit raya’ and goodies from SEB in Lawas.

Others present at the function included Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Bukit Danau assemblyman and SEB board member Paulus Palu Gumbang, SEB vice-president Siti Aishah Adenan and officials.