KOTA KINABALU: Sabah stands to gain significantly from Sarawak’s expanding energy production industry, says Sabah Electricity Chairman Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.
He said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg announced plans to supply energy to Sabah by next year, boosting infrastructure and economic growth.
"It will also stabilise our power generation capacity," he said.
Madius said Sabah has completed the construction of the Sabah Grid to connect with Sarawak, awaiting Sarawak to finish their section.
"The power sales and purchase agreement between Sabah and Sarawak has been signed for some time. Good relations between both regions enhance power generation capacity and stability in Sabah," he said.
He added that Abang Johari mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested energy from Sabah to be supplied to the southern Philippines, which is good news.
Madius welcomed the suggestion and thanked the Prime Minister, saying it benefits Sarawak economically and speeds up grid connectivity.
"We have an agreement with Sarawak to start with 30MW and increase to 100MW, but it requires the grid to be connected," he said.
"It will be better for Sarawak to export electricity to the Southern Philippines if the Southern Grid in Sabah is completed," he stressed.
The Southern Link project, once finished, will involve a 330km grid from Sipitang to Tenom and to Kalabakan and Tawau.
This is a strategic move to increase power supply capacity and stability in the region, he added.
"As neighbouring regions, Sabah and Sarawak have always had sibling-like relations, and we are committed to fostering good relations in various sectors, including energy," he said.
Madius hopes this new initiative will enhance cooperation and benefit all parties.
On Tuesday (Feb 18), Abang Johari said Sarawak can contribute to Asean's economy by supplying power and expects to produce 10GW by 2030 and 15GW by 2035.
With the state's installed capacity at 5GW now, there is potential to export excess power to neighbouring countries.
He said Sarawak plans to export energy to Sabah by next year and the Prime Minister has requested that energy from Sabah be supplied to the southern Philippines.
