KOTA KINABALU. Malaysia, July 14, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof officiated the handover of seven critical energy projects under the PETRA Skuad Sabah 2025 initiative at the 132/33kV Kota Kinabalu Main Intake Substation (PMU KKBU) today. Valued at RM260.7 million, these projects will enhance electricity reliability and efficiency for 60,434 consumers across Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
The PMU KKBU, a flagship project under the Sabah Electricity Supply Special Project Team (PPKBES) and the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-10), benefits approximately 11,452 users in Tanjung Aru and surrounding Kota Kinabalu areas. The project features a new building housing 132kV and 33kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and a 132/33/11kV transformer, replacing an outdated 66/11kV system with obsolete components. It also supports a new 33kV cable network to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), ensuring a more reliable power supply to this strategic hub.
Six additional PPKBES projects were completed, including:
1. Labuan-Sipitang 132kV Interconnection (Phase 1: Beaufort PMU Upgrade to 275kV) – Package 2 (RM34.92 million): Completed on September 2, 2024, this project constructed a 7km 275kV transmission line from PMU Megalong to the Sidumin border, enabling 30MW of power imports from Sarawak to Sipitang by September 2025. Designed for up to 500MW capacity, it strengthens the ASEAN Power Grid, connecting Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Philippines for sustainable cross-border energy sharing.
2. Ranau 33/11kV Main Distribution Substation (PPU) (RM31.3 million): Operational since January 11, 2024, and fully completed on March 15, 2024, this project connects Ranau to the Sabah grid, reducing reliance on an 18MW diesel power station. This benefits 15,620 users, cuts diesel subsidies, and promotes a cleaner environment.
3. Batu Sapi 33/11kV PPU (RM30.02 million): Operational since December 13, 2024, this substation enhances power distribution from the Batu Sapi Power Station to Sandakan areas, including Karamunting, Bokara, and Kampung Istimewa, serving 4,744 consumers.
4. Protection On-Line Monitoring Project (RM42 million): Completed on February 5, 2024, this project installed a 15km submarine fiber optic cable from Kampung Lambidan, Menumbok, to Tanjung Aru, Labuan, bolstering the protection system for the PMU Beaufort to PMU Rancha-Rancha line.
5. UMS 132/33/11kV PMU (RM50.01 million): Fully operational on August 12, 2024, this project increased load capacity from 93.51MW to 131.60MW at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.
These initiatives mark a significant step toward modernizing Sabah’s energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainable and reliable power for strategic and residential areas.