Abang Johari Openg beats the kompang upon arriving at the Riveria Sport Centre in Debak for the event as community leaders and residents gather around him. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (April 17): The upgrading of electricity infrastructure in Betong Division will begin next year, backed by a RM180 million allocation from the Sarawak government to convert the supply system to three-phase power.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project aims to meet rising electricity demand in rural areas as living standards continue to improve.
“The government has approved the project to upgrade the electricity supply in Betong Division to three-phase power. It will be connected from Samarahan, and we have allocated about RM180 million for the Betong Division.
“We will begin implementing this starting next year in Betong Division,” he said in his speech at the Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat for DUN N35 Saribas at the Riveria Sport Centre in Debak on Friday.
Abang Johari noted that electricity usage patterns in rural communities have changed significantly compared with the past, when households mainly relied on single-phase supply.
“In the past, single-phase electricity was sufficient. People used an iron, a refrigerator and perhaps a few electrical plugs as long as there was electricity,” he said.
However, he pointed out that modern lifestyles now require greater electricity capacity as households increasingly depend on a wider range of electrical appliances.
“Today it is different. Everyone wants three-phase supply. In places like Samarahan, it is no longer just irons and refrigerators. Even laundry is now done using machines at home because our standard of living has improved,” he said.
He added that the upgrading works would also improve the reliability of electricity supply in the region and reduce power fluctuations.
“This means there will no longer be flickering power,” he said.
He also recalled that in the past, electricity disruptions sometimes occurred during large gatherings when demand surged.
“For example, in Sadong Jaya previously during a wedding event, when many people gathered at night, the power tripped and there was a blackout. That will become history because we have improved the system,” he said.