Julaihi speaks during the opening of Saref 4.0 at BCCK today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad

KUCHING (Sept 3): Ninety-nine per cent of Sarawak’s rural communities now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply, said State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

Speaking at the opening of the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (Saref 4.0) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, Julaihi said the achievement reflects Sarawak’s success in overcoming challenges such as difficult terrain and limited accessibility.

“Despite key challenges such as low accessibility and complex geographical conditions, 99 per cent of our rural communities have access to 24 hours of reliable electricity – contributing to statewide coverage of 99.6 per cent as of December 2024,” he said.

He stressed that the milestone underscores Sarawak’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – which calls for universal access to modern energy services.

Julaihi said his ministry formulates policy and regulations to ensure electricity supply that is reliable, efficient, affordable, and safe across the state, while overseeing licensing, technical standards, and rural electrification through its Electricity Supply Division.

On regulatory progress, he highlighted the transition from the Electricity Rules 1999 to the Revised Electricity Ordinance, Chapter 50 (2003), and most recently the Electricity (Amendment) Ordinance 2023.

He described the amendment as a “game-changer”, as it streamlines procedures and provides incentives to attract Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private sector participation.

“Through these measures, we unlock the potential for new generation projects – including renewables and hybrid solutions – to come online more swiftly and transparently, contributing to a more dynamic energy market,” he said.

Julaihi also pointed to Sarawak’s growing role as a regional energy player, noting the 2016 milestone when the state began exporting renewable hydropower to West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“This not only demonstrated our technical and operational capability but also positioned Sarawak as a reliable regional renewable energy powerhouse – able to supply clean, competitively-priced electricity beyond our borders while fostering cross-border economic cooperation,” he said.

Looking ahead, Julaihi said Sarawak is developing policies and frameworks to further connect its grid domestically and regionally as part of Malaysia’s efforts to realise the Asean Power Grid.

These initiatives align with Sarawak’s broader ambition to achieve developed and high-income status by 2030 under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), he added.

“By creating an environment that fosters innovation, accelerates project delivery, and welcomes private sector participation, we strengthen the backbone of our economy – reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy – which is essential to driving industrial growth, attracting foreign investment, and improving the quality of life for all Sarawakians,” he said.

Themed “Partnerships for Our Goals – Sustainable Growth & Prosperity for the Region,” Saref 4.0 is co-hosted by Sarawak Energy and the State Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication.