MIRI – Tonnes of water are being released in a controlled manner from the Bakun Dam in central Sarawak to counter the low water levels in the Kapit division.
The Sarawak Rivers Board said in a statement today that the controlled water release will start from today until June 13.
“The water release is meant to help increase the low water levels of rivers in the Kapit division so villagers will have adequate water supply.
“They will also be able to travel more smoothly via boats along the rivers during the Gawai celebrations.
“During the release period, villagers downstream must be careful as there could be a surge in river currents. Those using the rivers for travelling, fishing and cargo transportation must be vigilant.”
The Bakun Dam is located across Sg Balui River in the Belaga district, some 300km inland from Bintulu.
The rivers below the dam included Sg Belaga and Sg Rajang.
There are about 400,000 people living along the rivers fed by the waters from the Bakun Dam, which is the biggest and highest hydroelectric dam in Malaysia.
The Gawai Dayak festival starts on June 1 and there will be thousands travelling in longboats and express boats to their riverine settlements. – The Vibes, May 30, 2022
