Expect more dams to be built in rural Sarawak, announces Abang Johari

MIRI – The Sarawak state government is planning to construct more hydroelectric dams  soon in the two largest rural districts of Kapit and Baram.

Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, in announcing this during the Baram River regatta, said that the new dams will be based on the cascading design.

"We want to have new cascading dams constructed in Kapit and Baram to produce electricity for the rural communities.

"These cascading dams are also effective ways of preventing crocodile breeding in remote rivers," he said

He added that he has spoken to Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the federal works minister, on the idea.

"I will be consulting the local assembly representatives and MP on this soon," Abang Johari said.

He stressed that there are many rivers in the deep interiors that are potentially good sites for cascading dams.

These rivers, he said, are big and deep enough for cascading turbines to be built.

"These cascading dams also encourage fish species to grow and the river hahitat population to increase," he said. "They will also control the movement of crocodiles.

"We can have many benefits from having more cascading dams for Baram and Kapit," he said.

Abang Johari said he will discuss the plans with relevant local politicians.  The plans will also be brought to the ministerial level in due course, he added. – The Vibes, October 1, 2023