By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 22: The affected communities in Trusan and Baram have unequivocally rejected the proposed dam projects, according to Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB) Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian.
He also sought clarification from Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg if the Sarawak government would go ahead with the two dam projects.
He expressed concern as he was told during the last Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting that Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) was reviewing the feasibility of the projects.
In addition, less than two weeks ago, there was a report that Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd and Gamuda Bhd are strong contenders for the construction of the Trusan and Baram Dams, and that the Sarawak government intends to build these two dams.
“Will the government update this Dewan on the latest status of these two dams? The people affected do not want dams to be built after learning of the bad experiences of villagers in the Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum areas, whose ancestral homes and their way of life were lost with the flooding of their villages,” said Baru while debating the Sarawak Budget 2024 at today’s DUN sitting.
He reminded the august House that the construction of the Baram dam was called off by the former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in March 2016, who was quoted as saying: “There is no need to have another big dam. We can have mini dams and so on, but not a big dam especially when we don’t supply (power) to Peninsular Malaysia anymore”. — DayakDaily
