BALEH: Impoundment works at the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam project site are scheduled to commence in 2027.

According to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the impoundment process will take about two years to complete.

“Based on the timeline set by Sarawak Energy, I have been informed that impoundment works at the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam are scheduled to begin in 2027. The process is estimated to take up to two years.

“Once the dam is fully completed, Sarawak Energy will be able to generate about 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2029.

“Although the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2029, Sarawak Energy is working hard to ensure the project is completed three months ahead of schedule,” he said in a press conference during his working visit to the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam project site on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier proposed that Sarawak Energy implement sustainable practices concurrently with the impoundment works so that socioeconomic activities are already in place by 2030.

He outlined three strategic priorities, namely biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, and protection of wildlife habitats, to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy generation do not come at the expense of the environment or community well-being.

Among the key initiatives proposed by the Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari is large-scale reforestation to maintain forest biodiversity affected by the development of the dam.

He also highlighted that agricultural activities are planned for the surrounding areas, offering new economic opportunities to the local population.

In addition, the Sarawak Premier underscored the need to protect and conserve the natural habitats for wildlife in the area.

In this regard, he directed Sarawak Energy to work closely with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Forest Department Sarawak, and the Department of Agriculture Sarawak in implementing these initiatives.

“I’ve instructed them to collaborate with SFC, the Forest Department, and the Agriculture Department. These efforts must be coordinated alongside the local community and business sector,” he stated.

According to him, these measures align with the Sarawak Government’s long-term objective to ensure that energy development progresses in tandem with environmental conservation, particularly in the context of global climate change.

“We have learned valuable lessons from the development of Batang Ai and Bakun. Now, we are adapting our approach to better meet global needs in addressing climate change,” he added.

For the record, the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam project is a key component of Sarawak’s strategic plan to become a leading green energy producer in the region by 2030.

Also present were Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS), Dato Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Native Laws and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Baleh Assemblyman, Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Pelagus Assemblyman, Wilson Nyambong Ijang, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Kapit Division Resident, Elvis Didit, as well as several senior Sarawak Energy officials and representatives of relevant government agencies. -UKASnews