By Karen Bong
SIBU, Oct 24: Sarawak is exploring the use of cascading dams along its rivers not only to generate electricity but also to help manage the crocodile population and reduce human-crocodile conflict.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposal involved harnessing the natural flow of river water to generate electricity while creating greater water movement in areas where crocodiles had become a concern.
He said the issue had emerged in parts of Sarawak following the shift from river-based transportation to road connectivity, which had resulted in less boat traffic and calmer river waters.
Taking Batang Rajang as an example, he said the construction of the Sibu-Kapit road had reduced the use of express boats between the two towns.
“When people stopped using the river as much, the water became less turbulent. When the river became calmer, crocodiles began moving into the area.
“We now have a crocodile problem. Kapit never used to have crocodile problems, but today, crocodiles have appeared even in the upper reaches of the river,” he said in his speech when officiating at the National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
He said the situation had created a new challenge involving human-crocodile conflict, which required further study and management.
The Premier said he had sent personnel to Darwin, Australia, to learn more about crocodiles and their behaviour, including their breeding patterns and the differences between aggressive and less aggressive crocodiles.
He noted that crocodiles reproduce rapidly, with large numbers of eggs potentially contributing to population growth.
“Perhaps when the water is turbulent, the crocodiles will move away and will not reproduce as much,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak was considering the development of cascading dams that could use gravity-driven water flow to turn turbines and generate electricity.
He said modern three-dimensional engineering technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), could be used to simulate water movement and assess how such systems would operate.
The proposed infrastructure would also need to accommodate river transportation, including the provision of passages for boats.
He said the State has abundant river resources that could be harnessed for renewable energy, adding that Sarawak’s approach should seek to address multiple challenges through the effective use of water.
The Premier stressed that the proposal was part of a broader effort to balance development, energy generation and environmental management.
He said rivers remained vital to Sarawak’s communities and economy, making their sustainable management an important component of the State’s development agenda.
The National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026, themed “Rivers and Streams in Our Communities”, featured various activities aimed at promoting river conservation, environmental awareness and community participation.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, PETRA secretary general Dato Sri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, DID Malaysia director general Datuk Ir Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib and DID Sarawak director Datu Ir Ahamd Denny Ahmad Fauzi were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
