RM5.33 bilion untuk Petra perkukuh bekalan air, tenaga dan tebatan banjir

A total of RM5.33 billion has been allocated by the Malaysian government to the Ministry of Water, Energy and Communications (Petra) in the 2027 budget to strengthen water and electricity supplies, reduce flood risks, and expand the use of clean energy. Speaking at the 2027 Budget Announcement in the Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said several initiatives are in place to ensure essential services are more reliable, utility costs are controlled, and national infrastructure is more resilient.

Among the key steps, the government aims to increase electricity load capacity from 600 to 800 kilowatt-hours per month, benefiting up to eight million or 90% of domestic users. The government also offers rebates up to RM200 through the Nur Madani program for purchasing energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators to encourage more efficient electricity use.

In budget 2027, the focus is on providing assurance on water supply, lower flood risks, and more efficient and clean energy use, Fadillah said in a statement. To strengthen the energy infrastructure, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) will invest RM15 billion to reinforce the national grid, while RM1.5 billion will be invested in developing solar parks on government buildings.

Also, 150 megawatts (MW) through the Large-Scale Solar Project (LSS) 6 will be reserved for Bumiputera companies, while UEM Lestra will be given RM1 billion for a battery storage project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and a one-gigawatt hybrid power plant in Johor. The Climate Change Consolidated Fund (KWAP) of RM1 billion will also be allocated for green projects, while the government agreed to install a Statcom System worth RM204 million at Pencawang Masuk Utama Dam Road and Segaliud, Sabah.

Regarding flood risk reduction, Fadillah announced that six River Protection Projects (RTB) worth RM336 million are underway, while 82 projects are under implementation. Some of these projects include Kuching River Protection Phase 2, the Sungai Bersepadu 2 Development Project in Kelantan, and the Sungai Kemaman 2 Development Project in Terengganu.

In Kelantan, Fadillah mentioned that the Lebir Dam project could reduce flood risks for 320,000 residents, in addition to providing 337 million liters of fresh water daily for 353,222 residents. To increase clean water supply, the government will implement the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Phase 2 Project worth RM2.5 billion to replace 1,900 km of aging pipes.

Additionally, the installation of water treatment facilities in Machang, the replacement of aging pipes in Kelantan, and inter-bank water supply agreements between Perak and Pulau Pinang for 40 years will be implemented. Regarding water treatment, the government will upgrade old public treatment systems in Pulau Tuba, Langkawi, Pulau Redang, and Pulau Tioman, as well as build canal treatment facilities and pumping networks in Kuala Terengganu.

Fadillah also announced that the Asean Power Grid cooperation between Petronas and TNB will enhance energy reliability and cross-border electricity connections. He said TNB and telecommunications companies will collaborate through a government-linked fund and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to speed up electricity and internet access in rural areas.