By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 6: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has clarified that the proposal for a cascading dam in Sungai Tutoh, Baram was not initiated by the State government but came following a request from the Penan community.
He stressed that the project will only proceed with the agreement and support of the people in the area.
“It was the Penans who requested for this. But there are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) trying to incite them. Datuk Gerawat Gala (Mulu assemblyman) is monitoring it.
“So when they request, we will implement it for their development,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant’s 40th Anniversary in Lubok Antu today. An audio recording of the press conference was later shared to DayakDaily.
Abang Johari explained that the Penan community had shown interest in the cascading dam because it presents a new model of development. Unlike conventional hydroelectric dams, cascading dams avoid creating a large reservoir and, consequently, the relocation of local villagers.
“But if the people there don’t want it, then there is no use for us to do it. Why would we want to create problems?
“I said, don’t create problems. If you want it, you must support it. We will help you,” he asserted.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari announced that the pilot cascading dam project will first be carried out at Sungai Gaat in Kapit, before moving on to Sungai Tutoh in Baram and Sungai Belaga in Belaga with the support already expressed by the local communities.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari confirmed that the Trusan Dam project in Lawas remains under proposal.
This cascading dam model not only harnesses the natural flow of rivers and waterfalls to generate electricity without submerging wide areas of land, but also has the added effect of disturbing river conditions, which may reduce crocodile breeding. – DayakDaily
