Southern link power grid project crucial for Sabah, says Armizan

PETALING JAYA: The Sabah Southern Madani Link (SSML) power grid project will ensure a stable supply of electricity for the Bornean state, particularly on its east coast, once it is completed.

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali said the SSML would help complete Sabah’s electricity grid, as part of a 330km network connecting its west and east coasts.

Armizan recalled how a landslide in Penampang last September had knocked out an electricity transmission tower, causing days of blackouts for Sabahans in the east coast.

“From Sandakan to Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Kunak and Semporna, they had no electricity at all for several days. Why? Because there was only one grid network connecting the west coast to the east coast.

“The SSML will provide a second power grid connection to the east coast, guaranteeing a stable supply of electricity to the region,” he said in a video posted on Facebook.

Armizan, the federal domestic trade and cost of living minister, said the importance of this project had been identified since the 1980s, while the state government had applied for allocations from Putrajaya more than 10 years ago.

“Thankfully, the federal government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has approved a quick loan for the first phase of the project, involving 60km, expected for completion on Sept 16, 2028.

“We hope that funds for the subsequent phases of the project would be approved in the future to ensure the completion of the SSML,” the Papar MP said.

Yesterday, Anwar launched the groundbreaking ceremony for the SSML project in Sipitang, saying it would bring development and basic infrastructure to Sabahans in the interiors.

The project officially commenced on Sept 17 last year and will cost a total of RM198 million. It was 17% complete as of May 26.