KUCHING, July 1: Some 3,500 people of various nationalities are expected to be working together when construction of the mammoth 1,285MW Baleh hydroelectric project hits peak activity level.
Hence, Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has reminded the contractors to prioritise safety in every aspect of the project for their workers and the community.
“I would like to emphasise that even if we have the systems, structure, and competencies, we still need the right safety leadership,” said SEB chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili when addressing top management of the contractors involved in the development.
“Strong leadership is vital because it is central to the culture of the organisation that in turn, influences employee behaviour and safety.”
The contractors for the dam, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025, are JEC Designabuild-Perbena Emas JV, Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd, Sinohydro-AF Construction JV and CGGC-Untang Jaya JV.
Sharbini reminded those present not to underestimate the safety challenges of the project, which is set to be the biggest infrastructure project in Sarawak in the coming years.
He added that a safety leader should be respectful of the people, their personal well-being as well as be a safety role model at the same time.
“Role models in safety should be recognised, appreciated and rewarded accordingly to encourage others to emulate them,” he said.
The meeting was also to learn from the contractors on their HSSE initiatives and goals to synergise the safety culture at all levels.
“We urge that you strictly comply with our Life-Saving Rules. If you choose to break the rules, you choose not to work with Sarawak Energy. Together, let us practise safety first so that everybody goes home safely,” said Sharbini.
Also present at the meeting were Sarawak Energy’s senior management staff.
Sarawak Energy is developing Sarawak’s abundant hydropower resources to provide the people of the state with renewable, affordable energy. Hydropower is the dominant source of power generation in Sarawak. Of the total grid installed capacity of 4,641 MW as at end 2017, a total of 3,452 MW or 74.4 per cent is hydropower. — DayakDaily
