NEWS & UPDATES

SIBU
24 JULY 2026

The Sungai Merah Transmission and Substation Project has strengthened electricity supply reliability and increased network capacity in Sibu by providing a second bulk power injection into the city through the 132kV Coastal Grid.

The project’s role in supporting communities, businesses and future development was highlighted during a site visit to the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation by Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Narawi.

The Sungai Merah Transmission and Substation Project comprises the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation, the Sungai Maaw 132kV Substation Extension, and the Sungai Merah-Sungai Maaw 132kV hybrid transmission line and underground cable connection. The substation was commissioned on 11 July 2025.

Together, the infrastructure provides a second injection point into Sibu through the 132kV Coastal Grid and supports growing electricity demand in areas like New Sungai Merah, Ulu Sungai Merah, Rantau Panjang, Nanga Tutus, Pasai Siong, and Teku.

Sarawak Energy’s team, led by Yusri Safri, Chief Executive Officer of Syarikat SESCO Berhad briefed the Minister on how the project has addressed previous network constraints involving the existing 33kV underground cable connection between Deshon and New Sungai Merah. The new 132kV transmission infrastructure provides greater power transfer capacity in managing electricity supply across Sibu.

In addition, the project also supports the N-1 reliability standard, which enables the power system to continue operating when a major network component is unavailable. This reduces reliance on a single supply route and strengthens the network’s ability to manage equipment or transmission interruptions.

The Sungai Merah Transmission and Substation Project is part of Sarawak Energy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Sibu’s electricity network as the area continues to develop. The Ministry and Sarawak Energy will continue to work together to strengthen electricity infrastructure as well as improve supply reliability and network resilience across Sarawak.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Narawi during a working visit to the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation. The substation, which was commissioned on 11 July 2025, has helped strengthened electricity supply reliability and increased network capacity in Sibu.

Yusri Safri, Chief Executive Officer of Syarikat SESCO Berhad and Sia Chiu Tiing, Assistant General Manager for Transmission Substations briefing the Minister on the Sungai Merah Transmission and Substation Project and its role in strengthening Sibu’s electricity network.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Narawi, tours the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation, which has strengthened electricity supply reliability and increased network capacity in Sibu. He was briefed by Sarawak Energy representatives on the project's role in supporting growing demand and improving network resilience.

Sarawak Energy representatives briefing Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Narawi during his site visit to the Sungai Merah 132/33kV Substation.