BELAGA: A development approach anchored on genuine community participation should be strengthened through an equity-sharing model in energy projects to ensure long-term benefits for the people.
Murum assemblyman, Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, said while the Sarawak Government’s initiative under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to empower the energy sector as a regional economic driver is commendable, its implementation must involve the rakyat more inclusively.
He said community involvement should not be limited to engagement sessions, but must extend to meaningful participation, including equity ownership in development projects.
“As emphasised by the Premier, public involvement is crucial. We are not just talking about engagement, but real participation, including opportunities to own shares in development projects,” he said when interviewed during the ‘Majlis Pela Daleh’ event at Murum Junction Substation, Simpang Urun, today (April 29) as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Elaborating further, Chukpai shared insights from development models in Canada that involve indigenous communities in cascading dam projects, which he believes could be adapted in Sarawak.
Under such a model, he said local communities are given the opportunity to hold equity stakes alongside investors, supported by financing mechanisms provided by the government.
“The government can facilitate financing models through existing financial institutions to enable local communities to participate in project investments. Once the loans are repaid, the equity stake becomes fully owned by the community,” he explained.
Chukpai said this approach is more sustainable compared to relying solely on short-term corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
At the same time, he proposed that the model be applied across various new energy projects, including floating solar developments and cascading dams, in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a regional energy hub in Asia.
“Had this model been implemented earlier, communities in project areas such as Bakun and Murum might already be enjoying greater returns today,” he said.
As such, Chukpai expressed hope that the state government would seriously consider adopting the equity-sharing model as part of its inclusive development policy.
