LUBOK ANTU: The construction of cascading dams in Sarawak will only proceed with the consent and support of local communities, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sungai Gat in Kapit had been identified for initial development, with communities in Belaga and Baram also expressing interest, while Sungai Tutoh and Empangan Terusan were being considered.
“The Penan in Belaga requested this, but at the same time some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are influencing them. If the community does not want it, then we will not build. There is no point creating problems. If you want, you must support and we will help you,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant 40th anniversary here today (Oct 6).
Abang Johari said cascading dams could also help address the issue of Sarawak’s rising crocodile population, which has grown as fewer people use rivers for transport.
He pointed out that the construction of roads had shifted movement away from rivers, allowing crocodiles to multiply in waterways such as the Rajang and Baleh rivers.
“By building cascading dams, the falling water creates ripples that disturb crocodiles and prevent them from breeding. At the same time, turbines can generate electricity,” he explained.
The Premier added that cascading dams would be nature-based and would not submerge wide areas of land as conventional hydropower projects usually do.
“We use the rivers that we already have. When the water falls, turbines can be installed to generate electricity,” he said.
