Sarawak Premier urges SEB restructuring to drive ASEAN energy ambitions

LocalBusiness & Finance
17 May 2025 • 9:42 AM MYT
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Sarawak Premier urges SEB restructuring to drive ASEAN energy ambitions

The restructuring should align with Sarawak’s targets of generating 10 gigawats of electricity by 2030 - May 17, 2025

Abang Johari calls for the restructuring of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to bolster the state’s regional energy ambitions and meet its expanding electricity production targets

Sarawak’s Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has urged Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to undertake structural reforms to support the state’s growing energy demands and strategic plans for regional power exports.

Speaking at the Sarawak Energy Vendors Excellence Awards 2025 Night on Friday, Abang Johari said the SEB Board should review the state’s Electricity Ordinance to allow the establishment of a separate entity specifically tasked with boosting energy production for broader markets.

“I leave it to the Board of SEB to look into this, and I hope that you (the board) can provide me with a (proposal) paper by the end of this year,” he said.

The restructuring aligns with Sarawak’s targets of generating 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, as well as with the federal government’s vision to position the state as a regional energy hub.

“The Prime Minister has identified Sarawak as a central player in the ASEAN energy grid, and we are working towards that,” he added.

Abang Johari also disclosed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had proposed Sarawak extend its power supply to the southern Philippines following the completion of electricity exports to Sabah, expected by year-end.

Furthermore, SEB is in advanced discussions to supply power to Brunei, while plans are progressing to link the state’s grid to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore — effectively creating a regional electricity loop across ASEAN.

The Premier noted that this strategic expansion would open doors for Sarawak-based vendors to enter new markets in the region, but emphasised the need for high standards and talent development.

“This is why professionalism among our vendors is important. Once you reach the standard set by SEB, the job will come to you. It’s also vital that the vendor ecosystem stays in tandem with the expectations of the main employer,” he said. - May 17, 2025

Sarawak Energy, Abang Johari, ASEAN power grid, energy policy, Anwar Ibrahim, energy plan, Sarawak 2030 goals