RM14.8mil allocated to stabilise electricity supply in Kalaka, Kabong

BETONG: An estimated RM14.8 million allocation under the Betong Divisional Development Agency (BDDA) was spent to stabilise the electricity supply in rural areas around DUN Kalaka and DUN Kabong, with the proposed installation of 33 kiloVolt (kV) and 11 kV lines.
BDDA Utilities and Telecommunications Development Sector Committee chairman Mohamad Duri noted the need to increase the stability of the electricity supply due to frequent power cuts.
“Improving the standard of living in rural areas demands higher electricity consumption.
“If we look now, almost every house uses electronic items such as refrigerators, and many homes have more than one air conditioner, in addition to washing machines, water filters, and so on.
“This increases the burden on the electricity supply and necessitates upgrades to transformers.
“Therefore, through BDDA, we will install 33 kV and 11 kV lines from Kampung Kaba to the Nyabor junction and from Kampung Perpat to the Paloh road junction,” he said.
The Kalaka assemblyman made these remarks when asked for further details after presiding over the permit meeting for the project at the Betong Division Resident’s Office.
He explained that several issues were identified during the engagement session, and it is hoped these will help facilitate implementation, which is expected to start next year.
Mohamad urged landowners along the proposed cable installation route to grant permission for the project.
He emphasised that the completion of the installation of the 33 kV and 11 kV lines is expected to enhance the stability of the electricity supply, especially for the surrounding villages and longhouses.
“Our focus is on reducing the electricity supply interruptions that residents often experience,” he added.
Earlier, he received a briefing on the project from Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).