KUCHING (Sept 30): The Kuching Network Reinforcement Phase 1 (KNR 1) project is being implemented to fulfil future power requirements arising from planned major developments in the Kuching and Samarahan divisions.

State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the project would strengthen electricity supply capacity, particularly along the Entinggan-Samajaya 132kV line, to cater to rising demand from existing and future developments.

“This enhancement is vital for catering to surging electricity demands and future industrial developments, including proposed data centres in Tg Embang and the Kota Samarahan Industrial Zone.

“It is particularly crucial to fulfil the future power requirements for the proposed new international airport and deep-sea port in the Tg Embang area currently being planned,” he said in a social media post following his working visit to the Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) KNR 1 project site at Tanjong Bako on Tuesday.

He said the project involves the construction of the Tg Bako 275/132/33kV substation and Entinggan B 275/33kV substation.

According to Julaihi, the KNR 1 would enable 275kV electricity supply through Tanjong Bako, boosting overall energy transmission capacity into Kuching.

“The Tanjong Bako and Entinggan B substations are meant to reinforce grid supply to meet growing demand at the Sama Jaya High Technology Park and surrounding areas in Kuching and Samarahan,” he said.

He noted that the Tanjong Bako substation is currently 21 per cent complete, while the Entinggan B substation has reached 30.2 per cent completion.

During the site briefing, Julaihi reminded contractors to strictly adhere to the stipulated completion schedule.

He also called on SEB to strengthen project supervision and monitoring to ensure work progress and quality were maintained.

Also present was State Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.