NEWS & UPDATES
Ministry of Utilities - Media Release
Cooperation Sought For A More Modern And Reliable Power System Network
- Projects to continuously modernise the electricity infrastructure must be completed on schedule and on budget otherwise there is a strong risk of having a system that cannot cope with the demands of Sarawak today, leading to inadequate power supply.
- The Ministry of Utilities appeals for the understanding and cooperation from affected land claimants for the successful implementation of these projects to strengthen the State’s electricity supply network system that will eventually benefit the rakyat.
KUCHING, 19 JUNE 2018, TUESDAY: Sarawak’s rapid development has led to a tremendous growth in energy demand to power Sarawak. Projected future demand is anticipated to rise to around 5,500MW by 2020.
The State Government through the Ministry of Utilities has entrusted Sarawak Energy Berhad with the responsibility of delivering a stable and secure power supply system.
To meet current and projected future demand and to give Sarawakians the modern and reliable power supply system the rakyat deserve, Sarawak Energy is investing significantly to secure and build generation capacity, upgrade the State’s electrical grid system, and construct new infrastructure and facilities. Despite this, the people of Sarawak continues to enjoy the lowest electricity tariffs in Malaysia and among the lowest in the region.
Projects to continuously modernise the electricity infrastructure must be completed on schedule and on budget otherwise there is a strong risk of having a system that cannot cope with the demands of Sarawak today, leading to inadequate power supply.
In delivering this, Sarawak Energy’s licensee, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), is required to gain access to project sites. Sarawak’s Electricity Ordinance authorises the licensee to enter and undertake electrical infrastructure works. Any relevant compensations paid are generally aligned to standard rates, with the option for reasonable ex gratia payments. The ex gratia is aimed at alleviating inconvenience inadvertently caused to the claimants during the implementation of these electrical infrastructure projects.
In general, affected land claimants have cooperated with project teams and State agencies, allowing the smooth implementation of electricity development and upgrade projects in the state for the benefit of the people of Sarawak.
In the interest of transparency, consultation and engagement with affected land claimants are often conducted in the presence of key Government agencies.
However, a major challenge to timely completion and smooth implementation of these infrastructure development projects which are essential for the people of Sarawak comes from a small minority of land claimants with excessive demands.
In addition to staking their claims on State land, these claimants often demand to be compensated in excess of rates that the majority of affected land claimants have agreed as reasonable.
These groups of unreasonable claimants illegally deny project teams access, especially into sites on State land, to complete key infrastructure projects. These have led to unacceptable delays in completing projects crucial for the long-term benefit of Sarawak.
While mutual consultation, negotiation and appeal have always been the preferred option to amicably resolve any disputes or disagreements amongst the parties, the Ministry and Sarawak Energy will have no other option but to use legal recourse as a last resort when parties continue to disagree and the greater interest of the State and the rakyat are jeopardised by a small group of people with their own self-interest taking precedence.
The Ministry of Utilities appeals for the understanding and cooperation from affected land claimants for the successful implementation of these projects to strengthen the State’s electricity supply network system that will eventually benefit the rakyat
Media Release issued by:
Ministry of Utilities
Sarawak Government
