KUCHING, Nov 28: Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi refuted the claims by Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian that Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, and Gamuda Bhd emerge as strong contenders for the construction of Trusan and Baram dams.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, he said the Sarawak government has yet to make any decision to proceed with both dams as Sarawak Energy is currently carrying out feasibility studies to develop the Trusan Hydroelectric project and is looking at the cascading dams scheme.
“All key stakeholders will be engaged, including local representatives, leaders, and communities in the area. We have yet to make any decision to proceed with Trusan or Baram dams at this stage,” he stated.
Julaihi said this in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Nov 27.
The minister clarified that a strategic collaboration agreement was signed between Sarawak Energy and Gentari Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PETRONAS, on June 27, 2023, to explore collaboration opportunities in developing and deploying clean energy solutions in Sarawak.
“Therefore, the report raised by the assemblyman for Ba’ Kelalan on PETRONAS, Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, and Gamuda Bhd as strong contenders for the construction of Trusan and Baram dams is not accurate.
“For the record, I would like to reiterate here (that) there has been no final decision made yet on Trusan and Baram dams,” he said. — DayakDaily
