KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable hydropower development, dam safety and renewable innovation at the 3rd International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME) 2025 held here from Nov 5 to 7.
Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, who delivered a keynote address titled “Sustainable Hydropower and Dam Safety in Sarawak’s Energy Transition”, said hydropower remains the cornerstone of Sarawak’s renewable energy system, providing reliable and low-carbon electricity that drives sustainable growth.
He said Sarawak’s major hydroelectric plants — Bakun (2,520MW), Murum (944MW) and Batang Ai (94MW) — form the backbone of the state’s generation mix, contributing over 60 per cent of total capacity.
The upcoming Baleh Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 1,285MW, will further strengthen supply.
“Sarawak Energy is committed to advancing hydropower development that upholds the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility, aligned with internationally recognised frameworks and multi-stakeholder standards governed by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA).
“Aligned with the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower, we believe that the only acceptable hydropower is sustainable hydropower.
“We continue to integrate environmental, social and governance considerations in all our projects.”
Sharbini said Sarawak Energy remains guided by international standards including the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the Malaysia Dam Safety Management Guidelines (MyDAMS), adding that safety continues to be fundamental to its operations.
“Safety is our top priority. Ensuring the safety of our dams is critical not only to the reliability, resilience and sustainability of Sarawak’s hydropower system, but also to the protection of our communities and the environment.”
He also shared that a Dynamic Water Dispatch Management (DWDM) system has been implemented across Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai hydroelectric plants.
The system integrates weather and inflow forecasting with real-time operational data to optimise water management and maintain safe reservoir levels.
During the conference’s dinner, Sarawak Energy received the Best Dam Operator Award for Bakun HEP under the Dam Safety Programme by the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD).
The award, presented for excellence in dam operation and safety performance, was received by SEB Power chief executive officer Bunyak Lunyong.
The conference, themed “Dam Safety: Energy Transition and Water Transformation”, was officiated by Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Sarawak Energy Hydro vice-president Jonny Wong Kwei Ji, who served as co-chairman of ICDSME 2025, delivered a welcoming note to delegates.
The company also presented four papers focusing on dam safety management, water level monitoring, resource management and infrastructure resilience.
ICDSME 2025 featured technical workshops, exhibitions and keynote presentations by international experts from Canada, Australia and ICOLD, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on advancing safe and sustainable hydropower development.
