BY NATASHA JEE & MARGARET RINGGIT
MARUDI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed the idea of constructing a cascading dam in Baram as an alternative means of generating electricity.
He said this in light of the anticipated reduction in human activities along the rivers once the Marudi to Long Terawan road infrastructure is completed.
“When the people no longer use the river, I am concerned that there might be an increase in the crocodile population in the undisturbed waters.
“So, I will discuss with Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil (Marudi assemblyman) and leaders on the feasibility of building a cascading dam in Baram.
“You want crocodiles or electricity, it is up to you to decide. We don’t force people. However, we must use the faculty of logic so that it benefits the people without hurting the people and the environment,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the 2023 Baram Regatta held at Marudi Square today (Sept 30).
Citing Sweden as an example of a country using the cascading dam system for electricity generation, Abang Johari said the usage of cascading dams to generate electricity is a new technology.
He also said Sarawak has numerous rivers, providing ample opportunities to adopt such technology for hydropower generation.
“I recently spoke to Federal Minister of Works and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi that people no longer use express boats as the road construction from Kapit to Nanga Mujong has been completed.
“What happens is that with the undisturbed waters, there could have been an increase in crocodile breeding.
“Hence, I believe that if the rivers are no longer in use, we construct cascading dams so they would be like waterfalls through the use of turbines.
“When the water falls, this would create small bubbles containing oxygen. When there is oxygen, this helps the fish to live while the crocodiles ‘run away’.
“Additionally, installing a turbine there can generate electricity, thus additional benefits,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari also assured that the road construction from Marudi up to Long Terawan will be completed by 2030.
“As I have mentioned, we want to build roads from Marudi up to Long Terawan, and it connects to the boundary of the Mulu area and then linking it to the road in Limbang and up to Gunung Buda.
“This means that Miri, Marudi will pass the highlands area and until Limbang, and from Limbang to the Pan Borneo Highway.
“Additionally, these areas have a wealth of tourist attractions and tourists can come,” he said.
Abang Johari also mentioned plans to construct a hotel in Marudi to accommodate tourists, following the success of the existing hotel in Mulu.
