NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
2 FEBRUARY 2025

Sarawak Energy remains on high alert to manage and restore power safely and quickly as rain continues to cause floods and outages across Sarawak.

To ensure public safety, several substations in flood-affected areas have been proactively shut down due to rising floodwaters and landslides. Even in non-flooded areas, power supply may still be disrupted due to affected substations and damaged power lines. Precautionary measures remain in place as efforts continue to restore supply safely.

Technical teams are on the ground in affected areas, with additional teams placed on 24-hour standby for immediate mobilisation. However, restoration efforts are challenged by heavy rain, unsafe conditions and inaccessible sites.

All generation plants, including hydroelectric stations at Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai remain operational with stable reservoir levels.

With ongoing floods and soil erosion creating hazardous conditions, the public is urged to follow safety advisories and be cautious of electrical hazards such as fallen power lines, and flooded substations, which may cause shocks, fire or equipment failures.

Safety Advisory

• In the event of a flood, turn off the home supply at the main switchboard at the earliest sign of rising water levels. Shut off and move all electrical equipment to an elevated area above the anticipated flood level at the earliest sign of rising water levels.
• The public is reminded to be cautious of the dangers of damaged electrical facilities from weather conditions as strong winds can cause electricity poles to break or fall. Stay clear of fallen power lines as these may still be energised or live, posing a safety hazard.
• If in a boat in a flooded area, be cautious of power lines. Swollen rivers may elevate the water level closer to high tension lines.

After a flood:

• Stay away from fallen electrical lines as they may still be live.
• Do not attempt to operate electrical appliances if these have been submerged in flood waters as this may cause electrocution or fire.
• Engage a qualified electrician to inspect home/building wirings before turning on the main supply.

Sarawak Energy’s technical team can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1300 88 3111 or through the SEB cares mobile app’s ‘Make A Report’ function.

Platform substations inundated by floodwaters.

Power lines affected by floodwaters.

Collapsed lattice tower in Bintulu due to soil erosion caused by incessant rainfall.