KUCHING (March 18): The Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) has received more than 17,000 new applications across the state, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

The Utility and Telecommunication Minister said an estimated RM550 million would be allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to provide electricity supply connection under the Alaf project.

“I believe the number will continue increasing in line with the pace of development statewide, especially in rural areas.

“So, we are planning to allocate around RM550 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan to implement Alaf across Sarawak,” he said during the Sarawak Energy Sungkei with Stakeholders here last night.

He pointed out delays in implementing the project remain a key issue and urged Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to take immediate steps to accelerate the process as planned.

“I understand that Sarawak Energy is facing various challenges, one of the main obstacles is with passage permission, which has hindered the timely execution of Alaf,” he said.

He called on all relevant parties involved in the permit process to support SEB in resolving this issue.

The Projek Rakyat initiative aims to ease the financial burden of eligible rural homeowners in need of electricity connection.

Since 2018, RM315 million has been allocated from Phase 1 to Phase 4, benefiting nearly 20,000 households.

Separately, Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili announced that the fourth edition of the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (Saref 4.0) would be held on Sept 3-4 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

“This biennial conference serves as a platform for sustainability leaders and key organisations to come together and discuss critical topics such as climate action, driving a just energy transition, and Southeast Asia’s pathway towards a more sustainable future,” he said.