KUCHING, Jan 18: Security at Sarawak’s biggest hydroelectric dam — the Bakun dam — is now stronger as the 5th Region (Sarawak) Marine Police now has a team based there.
5th Region (Sarawak) Marine Police commander ACP Salehuddin Mat Zaman said the first batch was dispatched to Bakun last week on Jan 10 comprising one commanding officer and six men.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Sarawak Marine Police monthly assembly at its headquarters in Bintawa here earlier today, he said the posting of his men to Bakun would be done on a 10-day shift basis with new teams to be despatched every 10 days.
“Through the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS), this was made possible with the help of Sarawak Energy Berhad who had set up much needed facilities for my men like living quarters and office spaces; and Belaga’s Sarawak Rivers Board who let us park our patrol boats at their pontoon.
“Prior to this, the dam was only patrolled by a team of auxiliary police. This had provided some sort of security for the dam and its areas but only on land. But now we have access to the whole reservoir area of the dam and areas only reachable by boat; security there will be heightened,” said Salehuddin.
Asked on what sort of security incidents could affect the dam, he said sabotage would be the main concern as the hydroelectric dam generates electricity for almost the whole state.
Apart from that, the Marine Police would also assist communities living around the reservoir area.
“Up till now there has not been any security incidents, but we cannot be content. We will also assist communities around the dam and its reservoir if needed, now that we have the means to reach them.
“Therefore, I call upon the community there to work together with the marine police and report any suspicious activities to my men stationed there,” said Salehuddin. — DayakDaily
