Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has commenced development of the 500kV Main Intake Substation Kampung Awah in Maran, Pahang, marking a key step in its push to strengthen Malaysia’s National Grid and prepare the electricity network for rising future demand.
The Kampung Awah substation will form part of TNB’s new 500kV National Grid Backbone, a major transmission infrastructure project designed to improve grid capacity, resilience, reliability and flexibility while supporting Malaysia’s energy transition.
Strategically located along the Paka-Kampung Awah-Bahau South-Kulai East transmission corridor, the substation will serve as a key transmission node, strengthening inter-regional power transfers and providing additional capacity for existing and future generation sources.
The wider National Grid Backbone is expected to span about 500km upon completion by 2030, making it the longest 500kV transmission system developed in Malaysia.
The network will reinforce grid infrastructure across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, while enabling greater renewable energy integration, particularly in the eastern region.
It is also expected to support growing electricity demand from data centres, AI-driven industries, digital infrastructure and high-value green investments.
TNB is investing RM43 billion between 2025 and 2027 in grid development and modernisation as part of its broader effort to strengthen the reliability, resilience and capacity of the National Grid.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the Kampung Awah project would strengthen Pahang’s connectivity to the National Grid and improve the state’s readiness to attract green and high-technology investments.
He added that the project would also generate opportunities for local businesses and communities across engineering, construction, operations and related services.
TNB President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir Ts Shamsul Ahmad said the 500kV National Grid Backbone reflected the utility giant’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure needed to support Malaysia’s energy security and transition.
He said a resilient and future-ready grid was essential to meet growing electricity demand, integrate more renewable energy and support sustainable economic growth.
The backbone will also provide the transmission capacity and flexibility required to advance the National Energy Transition Roadmap and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional energy hub.
