KUCHING: The rural communities in Sarawak are not left behind from enjoying 24-hour power supply as those living in the urban area.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said about 97 per cent of the rural community already have stable access to reliable, renewable and clean electricity via a suite of grid and off-grid solutions including solar and micro-hydropower systems.
He said Sarawak has made significant progress in lighting up the state, particularly in remote villages, through the Accelerated Rural Electrification Master Plan under the Sarawak government’s People’s Project.
He said it was a collaboration with Ministry for Utility and Telecommunication and Sarawak Energy
“Today we have 97 per cent of our rural communities are able to enjoy 24-hour power supply compared to 56 per cent in 2009,” he said at the Sarawak Energy Berhad’s (SEB) Centenary Celebration held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari said the rural areas in Sarawak must be equipped with all the basic infrastructure and facilities to enable communities to participate in wealth creation activities, improving the standard of living in these areas.
Hence, to minimise the gap between urban and rural communities, he said, the Sarawak government has been stepping up on socio-economic development and rural transformation to ensure Sarawak can generate higher economic growth as well as achieve more balanced economic development.
“Social inclusiveness is key to Sarawak’s sustainable development targets as our goal is to ensure all Sarawakians have equal opportunities to participate in the state’s overall development and enjoy equitable distribution of wealth through jobs and business opportunities,” he said.
“This includes ensuring everyone has access to basic utilities such as electricity in line with United Nations Development Goal No. 7 on ‘affordable and clean energy for all,” he said.
Abang Johari also acknowledged that there have been many challenges in trying to light up Sarawak, however, everyone has demonstrated a firm commitment to bettering the lives of the fellow Sarawakians.
“All of you met the challenges head-on and overcame them, allowing for a better quality of life in rural communities across the state.”
“Thank you all for the good job done and I am sure with continuous and concerted efforts, we will achieve our 100 per cent domestic electrification rate target by 2025,” he said.
