By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 27: Kapit continues to play a major role in powering Sarawak through large-scale hydropower generation, but some rural areas in the division are still facing inconsistent electricity supply.
Works Minister and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the division has long contributed to Sarawak’s development, first through forestry resources from its interior areas, followed by mineral extraction including coal, and now through major energy production.
He said Kapit today hosts key hydropower facilities such as Bakun, Murum and Baleh, which collectively form a major backbone of Sarawak’s electricity generation.
“In simple terms, Kapit is like a burning candle — not in a sense of complaint, but as a symbol of contribution and sacrifice.
“Kapit shines to light Sarawak’s journey, generating energy, opening up industrial opportunities, and supporting Sarawak’s aspiration to become the ‘battery of the region’.
“Therefore, it is only right that this light of development also returns to illuminate longhouses, villages and settlements in Kapit in a more comprehensive way,” he said during the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Kapit, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.
Nanta also recalled remarks by the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, known as Tok Nan, during Nanta’s time as Deputy Minister for Rural Development, when the issue of rural electricity was raised.
“When addressing rural electricity issues, he said: ‘I don’t like to see high-tension cables from Batang Ai Dam overhead many normal houses, but these normal houses are still dark inside. Do something about rural development electricity,’” Nanta pointed out.
Nanta also noted that earlier rural electrification efforts were supported through solar systems installed in remote settlements before grid connectivity was expanded.
However, he said some of these solar systems are now reaching the end of their lifespan and require maintenance or replacement, affecting continuous electricity supply in certain areas.
“As a result, some communities are now relying again on diesel generators when the solar systems are no longer functional,” he said.
Nanta further said he was aware that the matter was currently under the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s consideration and planning, stressing that his remarks were intended to reflect the voices and aspirations of rural communities in Kapit.
According to him, the communities were not expressing dissatisfaction over the solar supply previously provided, noting instead that many were proud to have had access to solar electricity in the past. However, they were now hoping for a more continuous and reliable electricity supply in their villages.
“If Sarawak is the ‘Battery of the Region’, then we in Kapit feel our expectations are reasonable and justified.
“Kapit is not asking for more than what is due. It is only asking for fair, proportional, sustained and continuous development. We have done our part in a series of meetings to recover what we have missed all these years,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
