BATANG AI: The second edition of the Sarawak Energy Batang Ai Mountain Bike Jamboree attracted a total of 150 participants from various cycling groups throughout the state.
Held at the Batang Ai Hydro-electric Plant (HEP) yesterday, it had participants racing through rugged and hilly trails under the forest canopy.
Prior to the start of the actual race, participants cycled from the Sarawak Energy Operators Village (Batang Ai) to the dam’s crest.
Then they proceeded to the fun ride from the dam’s crest to the starting point of the actual race.The fun ride was led by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dato’ Sri Doris Sophia Brodie.
Half of proceeds to be given back to community
Accompanying Doris were Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sharbini Suhaili, Lubok Antu District Officer, Richard Ngumbang and Executive Vice President of Sarawak Energy Corporate Services, Aisah Eden.
Half of the proceeds collected from the race’s fee will be given back to the community through the District Office.
Also held simultaneously with the race were various community games, a fire drill and an exhibition at the Operators Village.
Local residents of all ages participated in thecommunity games which included the Balloon Race, Push Bike and Pick-a-Treasure.
Sharbini, in his opening remarks, explained that the event aimed to promote sports tourism, ecotourism and lakeside tourism at the Batang Ai HEP dam.
“These activities can help make Batang Ai an iconic destination on the tourism map for Sarawak.
“Besides that, the catchment area is ideal for aquaculture activities and can also be used as water supplies for agriculture and other daily needs of the downstream communities.
“The Batang Ai dam now has been operating for more than 30 years, producing clean, renewable and sustainable energy for the state.
“It is also a testament that hydropower development is the socio-economic development in the state,” said Sharbini.
Batang Ai dam was commissioned back in 1985 and has a maximum output of 108 Mega Watt (MW) of electricity.
