Sarawak struck by state-wide blackout

The entire state of Sarawak was struck by a blackout at about 5.40pm today, causing traffic jams and service disruptions.

Sarawak Energy Bhd, the state utility, said the blackout was caused by “tripped circuits” at the Kemena-Bintulu transmission power line.

“Our engineers and technicians are currently working to restore power, and we are doing everything within our capacity to restore power as soon as possible,” said the company in a statement.

Batu Lintang assemblyperson See Chee How said power has been restored to some areas along major roads as of 8pm, but most residential and commercial areas remain in the dark.

“There's quite a lot of people caught in traffic jam and it gets dark just a short distance from Kuching's CBD,” he said when contacted.

“I hope they can quickly resolve the problem. Earlier, they said this could be resolved in three hours. I hope they will keep their promise.”

According to Bernama, the blackout had caused a two kilometre long traffic jam at the Jalan Satok flyover and Jalan Tun Abang Openg junction.

The traffic police seem to have a tough time directing motorists, according eye-witnesses.

S'wak Energy flayed

An irate Malaysiakini reader in Bintulu said that there were brief moments when power was restored while another reader in Miri said that some traffic lights were working.

"We can't see the moon and the stars here in Miri right now, so it's really dark," said one reader.

Meanwhile, See said that there has been various isolated blackouts in Sarawak of late, but this is the first time that it had affected the whole state.

He said that this had tarnished Sarawak Energy Bhd's reputation as a powerful and rich company.

“I'm sure the CEO is very well paid and yet such things happens. Our power consumption is not high. We have plenty in reserves,” he said.

Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen said that the state's utility company seem to be good at building hydroelectric dams but seem to have a poor maintenance culture.

“Sesco used to have a 'n + 2' policy, meaning even if two power stations have problems, it will not effect the electric supply,” said the veteran lawmaker.