Sarawak rural villages get lighting boost under Phase 8 of LJK project
Julaihi (third right) with Rubiah, on his right, and others in a photo-call, taken at Kampung Merdang Lumut, one of the villages benefitting from new streetlights under Phase 8 of the LJK project.
KUCHING (June 29): A total of 2,595 streetlights have been installed across 454 villages in Sarawak under Phase 8 of the Lampu Jalan Kampung (LJK) project, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility in rural areas, according to Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
Of these, 517 are energy-efficient LED units allocated by the federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) specifically for the Samarahan Division, the utility corporation said in a statement.
SEB, which serves as the executing agency for the project, noted that since the launch of the LJK programme in 2002, a total of 57,327 streetlights have been installed across Sarawak to support local community, social, and economic development.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, officially handed over the Phase 8 installations to SEB during a ceremony held at Dewan Kampung Merdang Lumut in Kota Samarahan yesterday, which was also attended by Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
In her remarks, Rubiah emphasised the project's strategic role in improving connectivity and highlighted that it is a key federal initiative supporting rural development.
'Proper lighting along village access roads is crucial for public safety,' said Rubiah, who is also the Kota Samarahan MP.
She further explained that the LJK project is an initiative aimed at illuminating rural areas, particularly along main village roads, with priority given to areas in front of public buildings such as community halls, places of worship including prayer halls (suraus) and mosques, and at road junctions.
'Beginning with Phase 1, which involved 5,783 LJK units, the total has now reached 57,327 under Phase 8.
'The Federal Government currently incurs monthly maintenance costs of no less than RM600,000 in Sarawak alone, with total national expenditure amounting to RM11 million,' she disclosed.
Adding on, she said the project will now proceed to Phase 9 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, involving the installation of an additional 16,400 streetlights statewide at an estimated cost of RM47 million.
Meanwhile, Julaihi reaffirmed the state government's commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and expanding access to essential services including roads, electricity, and clean water supply.
'This effort will not stop here. It is a continuous initiative that reflects the joint commitment of both the Sarawak and federal governments to improve rural infrastructure,' he said, acknowledging the strong cooperation between the federal and state agencies in delivering tangible benefits to rural communities.
Adding on, SEB said the project utilises energy-efficient LED technology, which not only ensures reliable lighting but also helps reduce carbon emissions, in alignment with the corporation's broader commitment to sustainable energy and environmental responsibility.
Among those present at the event were Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim, KKDW Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Meor Ismail Meor Akim, SEB Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Siti Aisah Adenan, and SEB General Manager for Rural Electrification Nazry Abdul Latip, alongside other local leaders and residents. julaihi narawi Lampu Jalan Kampung lead LJK SEB streetlight
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