By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 5: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg discloses that the State government may build cascading dams to generate power along Sungai Gaat in Kapit Division if the local communities support it.
The Premier stated that he was informed by a local resident about the suitability of Sungai Gaat for constructing cascading dams to generate power, citing the river’s fast-flowing current.
“I told him that if he (the people of Sungai Gaat) wants, then I will build the cascading dams at Sungai Gaat.
“After that, under the waterfall we will build a turbine. Make a turbine, then electricity comes out, fish can get it, oxygen can get it, electricity can also be obtained,” said Abang Johari during his officiating speech at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) 2023 Sibu Zone Special Convention today in Sibu, which was streamed live on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Facebook page.
Additionally, Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, emphasised that during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting scheduled for Nov 20 to Nov 29, the State government intends to table a Bill to amend the law related to Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy).
“If we have a lot of electricity, I will amend the SEB law in the DUN this month. There are ways that our local people can get involved with it,” he noted.
He further commented: “I received a letter from residents of Baram requesting that the State government construct cascading dams along Sungai Tutoh. If we can generate more power, more foreign investors will come to Sarawak.”
The convention was attended by senior party leadership including Deputy Prime Minister-cum-PBB senior vice president Dato Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premiers of Sarawak-cum-PBB deputy presidents Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and PBB vice president-cum-PBB Nangka branch chief Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. — DayakDaily
