By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 16: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has identified three key post-completion strategic priorities for the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam project.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), he proposed that Sarawak Energy implement sustainable practices concurrently with the impoundment works so that socioeconomic activities are already in place by 2030.
The three strategic priorities are biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, and protection of wildlife habitats.
“This is to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy generation do not come at the expense of the environment or community well-being,” said Abang Johari in a press conference following his working visit to the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam project site in Kapit today.
Among the key initiatives proposed by Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari is large-scale reforestation to maintain forest biodiversity affected by the dam’s development.
He also highlighted that agricultural activities are planned for the surrounding areas, offering new economic opportunities to the local population.
In addition, the Premier emphasised the importance of protecting and conserving the natural habitats for wildlife in the area.
In this regard, he directed Sarawak Energy to work closely with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the Forest Department Sarawak, and the Department of Agriculture Sarawak in implementing these initiatives.
According to him, these measures align with the Sarawak government’s long-term objective to ensure that energy development progresses in tandem with environmental conservation, particularly in the context of global climate change.
“We have learned valuable lessons from the development of Batang Ai and Bakun. Now, we are adapting our approach to better meet global needs in addressing climate change,” he said.
Regarding the impoundment process, he stated that, based on the timeline set by Sarawak Energy, it is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is estimated to take approximately two years to complete.
“Once the dam is fully completed, Sarawak Energy will be able to generate about 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2029.
“Although the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2029, Sarawak Energy is working hard to ensure the project is completed three months ahead of schedule,” he said. — DayakDaily
