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MORE than 60,434 electricity users across Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan will enjoy improved power stability and efficiency following the implementation of seven energy sector projects worth over RM260.7 million by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).
The projects, spanning from Tanjung Aru to Ranau, Batu Sapi, and Labuan, involve substation upgrades, new grid line connections, and safety monitoring systems to enhance the reliability of electricity supply.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, officiated the handover of the projects during PETRA Skuad Sabah 2025’s visit to the Kota Kinabalu Main Intake Substation (PMU KKBU), one of the key initiatives under the Sabah Electricity Supply Special Project Team (PPKBES).
The PMU KKBU project, launched under the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-10), now benefits approximately 11,452 users in the Tanjung Aru and greater Kota Kinabalu area.
It features a new facility equipped with 132kV and 33kV gas-insulated switchgear and 132/33/11kV transformers, replacing the outdated 66/11kV system. The project also supports a new 33kV cable connection to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), thereby strengthening supply to this critical location.
Six additional completed projects under PPKBES include the RM34.92 million Phase 1 upgrade of the Labuan–Sipitang 132kV line (Beaufort PMU upgrade to 275kV – Package 2).
The project involved constructing a 7-kilometre 275kV tower line from Megalong PMU to the Sidumin border between Sabah and Lawas, Sarawak. Fully completed on 2 September 2024, it awaits the corresponding Sarawak Energy segment, scheduled for completion in September 2025.
Once operational, this interconnection will allow for the import of 30MW of electricity from Sarawak for use in Sipitang, with the line designed to eventually carry up to 500MW.
It forms part of the ASEAN Power Grid, facilitating cross-border energy exchange between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Philippines.
The RM31.3 million Ranau 33/11kV Main Distribution Substation (PPU), operational since 11 January 2024 and completed on 15 March, has integrated Ranau into Sabah’s main grid. It significantly reduces reliance on an 18MW diesel power station, creating a cleaner environment and cutting diesel subsidies for 15,620 users.
Meanwhile, the RM30.02 million Batu Sapi PPU began operations on 13 December 2024. It resolves issues with the ageing power system and improves power distribution from the Batu Sapi Power Station to surrounding areas, including Karamunting, Bokara, and Kampung Istimewa, benefiting some 4,744 users.
The RM42 million Protection On-Line Monitoring Project involved upgrading relay protection and laying a 15-kilometre submarine fibre optic cable between Kampung Lambidan, Menumbok, Sabah and Tanjung Aru, Labuan. Completed on 5 February 2024, the system strengthens protection between Beaufort and Rancha-Rancha substations in Labuan.
Another key project, the RM50.011 million Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) PMU, has been fully operational since 12 August 2024. It increased load capacity from 93.51MW to 131.60MW in the UMS vicinity, reduced supply disruption indices (SAIDI), and improved the 33kV reticulation system for Sulaman and Alamesra. Over 5,000 users benefit directly, with the PMU also ready to accommodate growing demand, including load from the UMS Hospital.
Lastly, the RM6.3 million Labuan 11kV Strengthening System, completed on 9 November 2024, upgraded protection at the Rancha-Rancha PPU and boosted the system’s ability to support new developments in Labuan.
PETRA’s implementation of these projects through PPKBES has significantly enhanced Sabah and Labuan’s electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, ensuring higher quality services for consumers.
In line with the Malaysia MADANI vision of people-centric development, these achievements reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening energy infrastructure across Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. - July 14, 2025