Labuan: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) has completed 87 out of 120 planned electrical substation distribution automation (DA) systems, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the reliability and responsiveness of power supply in Labuan. Its chief executive officer, Datuk Ir Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, highlighted that the DA system enables remote monitoring and management of substations, facilitating faster detection and rectification of faults even from as far as Penampang in Sabah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Yaakob emphasized the importance of the distribution automation initiative in reducing response time during disruptions and improving overall system efficiency. He shared these insights with reporters after visiting the electrical substation distribution automation (DA) systems at Nagalang.
Mohd Yaakob also mentioned that Sabah Electricity is upgrading its underground cable system, with 20 kilometres already completed and the remaining 19 kilometres to be carried out in stages. Furthermore, an underground cable upgrade spanning 37 kilometres in the town area is scheduled for completion this year and next year.
These infrastructure upgrades are part of the broader Labuan Smart Island project, which aims to modernize utilities and enhance service delivery through digitalization and smart technologies. The project involves an investment of RM92 million and will be implemented in phases from 2024 to 2027.
In another development, Mohd Yaakob reported that 320 smart meters have been installed at consumer premises in Labuan. This initiative is intended to curb meter tampering while improving accuracy in electricity consumption monitoring. 'We want to help Labuan achieve its agenda of becoming a Smart Island by 2027 through a more resilient, transparent and technology-driven electricity system,' he stated.
Mohd Yaakob also noted that Sabah Electricity has successfully reduced the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) in Labuan from 96 minutes in 2024 to 82 minutes in 2025. 'Our target is to bring SAIDI to below 50 minutes, in line with our commitment to provide a more reliable and stable power supply for consumers,' he added.