Limbang, Lawas to join state power grid by mid-year as Northern S’wk devt accelerates - Borneo Post Online (2025)

MIRI (April 19): Limbang and Lawas districts are set to be connected to Sarawak’s state electricity grid by the middle of this year, as the northern region gears up for a wave of infrastructure and economic development.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the RM6 billion Northern Sarawak Coastal Highway project is expected to be rolled out in five packages starting June this year.

“Starting from the Asean Bridge, this highway will connect Limbang and Lawas to Miri via Brunei. Meanwhile, the ongoing Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project will open access to more areas, including Baram, and link them to Miri,” he said.

He added that both Limbang and Lawas will receive stable and reliable electricity once they are connected to the grid from Miri this year.

Miri, Malaysia’s birthplace of the oil and gas industry over a century ago, will also see the return of onshore exploration activities at the Adong Kecil field. State-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has issued prospecting licences for exploration activities in Miri, Limbang, and Lawas.

“All these developments augur well for northern Sarawak, which is blessed with natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and attractions that range from the sea to lowlands and highlands—including the Unesco World Heritage Sites of Niah and Mulu. This region also boasts the most diverse population in the state,” said Awang Tengah.

He made these remarks while officiating at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration hosted by the Anak Jati Lawas Association in Miri on Friday.

Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, and Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment, said the state government is committed to enhancing not only land transportation but also sea and air connectivity in northern Sarawak.

Citing projects such as the Miri Airport upgrading, the proposed new Lawas Airport, the ongoing Kuala Baram Delta Miri Access Channel Dredging and Deepening Project, and the proposed Pulau Sari Port in Lawas, he said these infrastructure upgrades will further boost economic and investment prospects in the region.

Calling on Lawas natives residing in Miri to stay united and remember their roots, Awang Tengah praised the Anak Jati Lawas Association for its active community support, especially in areas such as medical assistance, education, and bereavement aid.

Association chairman Dr Narawi Abu Bakar shared that Lawas natives have achieved notable successes, including students earning top academic results and international recognition.

The association has also played a vital role in social and welfare work, such as facilitating the return of the remains of 24 Lawas residents who passed away in Miri last year.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, and Deputy Miri Mayor Ariffin Mohamad.