KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 –– Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) marked another significant achievement in its commitment to building a future-ready energy infrastructure with the commencement of a new 500-kilovolt (kV) National Grid Backbone transmission line –– a strategic infrastructure project that will reinforce national energy security, accelerate energy transition and accommodate the nation’s future electricity needs.
In a statement, TNB said the launch of the 500kV Transmission Main Intake Substation (PMU) Kampung Awah project site in Maran, Pahang today marks an important milestone in the development of the National Grid Backbone, which will connect strategic locations across the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
The National Grid Backbone is designed to enhance the resilience, reliability, flexibility and transmission capacity of the National Grid, while advancing the implementation of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Upon its completion by 2030, the National Grid Backbone will become the longest 500kV transmission system ever to be developed in Malaysia, spanning approximately 500km, it said.
The launch of the PMU Kampung Awah project site was officiated by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, attended by TNB president/chief executive officer Datuk Ir. Ts. Shamsul Ahmad.
The Strategic Node PMU Kampung Awah will serve as one of the key strategic transmission nodes within the National Grid Backbone, enhancing transmission capacity, reinforcing inter-regional power transfer and improving the resilience and reliability of Peninsular Malaysia’s electricity network.
Strategically located along the Paka-Kampung Awah-Bahau South-Kulai East transmission corridor, PMU Kampung Awah will enhance grid connectivity and provide additional capacity to enable the integration of existing and future generation sources.
The project is also expected to support the growth of industrial and commercial activities, facilitate high-value investments and create opportunities across the local supply chain, including engineering, construction, operations and related services.
Strengthening the national grid
TNB said the 500 kV National Grid Backbone will provide high-capacity bulk power transmission across Peninsular Malaysia, improving connectivity while enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the electricity network.
The infrastructure development will reinforce the National Grid across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, further enhancing overall grid readiness and enabling the successful implementation of the NETR.
The development forms part of TNB’s broader long-term commitment to modernising Malaysia’s electricity grid.
From 2025 to 2027, TNB is investing RM43 billion in grid development and modernisation to strengthen the reliability, resilience and capacity of the National Grid.
The National Grid Backbone will provide the transmission capacity and grid flexibility required to support Malaysia’s evolving electricity demand, while enabling greater renewable energy penetration, particularly in the Eastern Region.
It will also strengthen the grid’s readiness to meet the growing needs of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven industries, data centres, digital infrastructure and high-value green investments, enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness and positioning the country as a prominent regional energy hub.
Enabling a connected, sustainable energy future
Wan Rosdy said the development of PMU Kampung Awah strategically positions Pahang within the National Grid and will serve as a catalyst for attracting green and high-tech investments to the state, supported by greater transmission capacity, grid reliability and readiness for future energy demand.
“As a key transmission node within the 500kV National Grid Backbone, the project will strengthen Pahang’s connectivity to the National Grid and enhance our readiness to support new industries, high-value investments and emerging renewable energy developments.
“This infrastructure will also create opportunities for local businesses and communities across the supply chain, further contributing to Pahang’s economic development and positioning the state as an important contributor to Malaysia’s energy transition,” he said.
Shamsul said the development of the 500kV National Grid Backbone demonstrates TNB’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that strengthens Malaysia’s energy security while enabling the country’s energy transition.
“A resilient and future-ready grid is fundamental to Malaysia’s ability to meet growing electricity demand, integrate more renewable energy and support sustainable economic growth.
“The 500kV National Grid Backbone will strengthen the transmission backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, providing the capacity and flexibility needed to meet the nation’s evolving energy needs while advancing the NETR,” he said.
The commencement of the 500kV National Grid Backbone marks an important step in strengthening the foundation of Malaysia’s future energy system, ensuring the National Grid is ready to meet the country’s evolving electricity needs, enable the energy transition and underpin sustainable economic growth for years to come. – Bernama
