KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to launch the first phase of the long-awaited Sabah Southern Madani Link (SSML) in Sipitang on Saturday (June 13).
The launch marks the start of the first phase of the wider SSML project, nine months after a major power disruption left much of Sabah's east coast in darkness and highlighted the state's dependence on a limited number of transmission routes.
The wider SSML project, of which the RM198mil Phase 1A forms the first component, is estimated to cost close to RM2bil in total.
The project seeks to address a challenge that has long shaped Sabah's power system: much of the state's cheaper electricity is generated on the west coast, while consumers on the east coast rely heavily on power transmitted across the state.
That means electricity generated in one part of Sabah must travel hundreds of kilometres before reaching homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and industries elsewhere.
Sabah Electricity chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar said strong transmission links were crucial because many of Sabah's gas-fired power plants were located on the west coast.
"We generate cheaper power on the west coast using gas. It is important that we have strong interconnections so that electricity can be delivered to where it is needed most," he said when contacted.
Yaakob pointed to the Sept 13 blackout last year as a reminder of the importance of a resilient transmission network.
The disruption, triggered by a fault involving Sabah's 275kV transmission system, affected districts including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Tawau, Kunak, Semporna and Beluran.
"This shows the importance of having a new connection and strengthening the transmission system," he said.
The SSML Phase 1A project involves the construction of a 60km double-circuit 275kV transmission line between Mengalong in Sipitang and Upper Padas in Tenom, together with interconnection facilities at PMU Mengalong.
It forms part of the wider Southern Link initiative, which is ultimately intended to establish a second 275kV transmission corridor linking Sabah's western and eastern grid systems.
According to Sabah Electricity, the broader project is expected to improve supply reliability, increase transmission capacity and provide greater flexibility in managing the state's electricity system, while supporting economic growth.
While the section being launched does not directly connect the two coasts' grids, it is regarded as one of the key building blocks of the wider Southern Link project.
Construction began on Sept 17 last year and is scheduled for completion on Sept 16, 2028.
As of May 26, overall progress stood at 17%.
Looking ahead, Yaakob said a stronger and more interconnected Sabah grid could eventually support regional energy connectivity initiatives under the proposed Asean Power Grid.
He said future links with Indonesia's Kalimantan region and the southern Philippines could one day position Sabah as an important gateway in regional electricity connectivity.
Anwar is expected to launch the project at the Sabah Lundayeh Cultural Association Complex in Sipitang.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor are also expected to attend.
