Everyone’s talking about electric vehicles these days—sleek, sustainable, and silent machines gliding through city streets. But as EV adoption grows, so does one big question: where in Malaysia can you run one without breaking the bank? Most would point to urban powerhouses like Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, where infrastructure is abundant and modern. But what if the real EV haven lies somewhere entirely unexpected? A place where electricity is not just cleaner, but cheaper—almost unbelievably so.
Thanks to its heavy rainfall and extensive river systems, Sarawak has a natural edge in producing clean, low-cost energy through hydropower. Over 60% of the state’s electricity—amounting to 3,452 megawatts—comes from major hydroelectric facilities like Batang Ai, Murum, and Bakun. This share is set to grow even further with the upcoming Baleh Hydroelectric Project, which will add another 1,285 megawatts once completed. Sarawak’s Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has boldly stated that the state is well on its way to becoming ASEAN’s “green battery,” supplying stable and sustainable power across the region.
Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the state’s primary energy provider, currently offers the most affordable electricity rates in the country. For example, the highest rate SEB charges domestic users (above 1,300 kWh) is just 31.5 sen per kWh. In contrast, users in Peninsular Malaysia pay 57.1 sen per kWh for consumption beyond 900 kWh under Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). SEB's unsubsidised rates are not only the lowest in Malaysia but also rank among the most competitive in Southeast Asia, averaging about 28 sen per kWh across residential, industrial, and commercial customers.
This cost-efficiency is largely driven by the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), a state-led development blueprint that taps into Sarawak’s rich hydropower resources to spur economic growth through energy-intensive industries. SCORE ensures that electricity remains renewable, reliable, and reasonably priced while balancing the state’s energy mix with coal and gas to strengthen supply stability.
To put this into perspective, if your monthly electricity usage is around 900 kWh, your estimated bill in Sarawak would be RM284.58—substantially lower than the RM405.43 charged in Peninsular Malaysia for the same usage.
So, while the spotlight often shines on Malaysia’s bustling urban centres, it’s Sarawak that quietly powers ahead—literally and figuratively. With unmatched access to renewable hydropower and the lowest electricity tariffs in the nation, it's the most cost-effective state to own and run an EV. Add in a bold state-driven vision to become ASEAN’s green energy hub, and Sarawak isn’t just keeping up—it’s setting the pace. For those serious about going electric, it might be time to look east. After all, sustainability shouldn’t come at a premium. In Sarawak, it doesn’t.
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