KUCHING: The state government has decided to proceed with the construction of the Trusan Dam in Lawas with the collaboration of Sarawak Energy, said Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Sarawak Energy, as the only corporate body in power energy, will be with the state government to develop the Trusan Dam that will also provide hydroelectric power,” he said in his speech during the Sarawak Energy Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri at Pullman Hotel here yesterday. He added that Trusan Dam would also provide water supply.
“The tourism industry is another component that will benefit from our overall development in this area because the dam is also an attraction that displays the biodiversity and the culture of the people surrounding the dam.
“Once you get all the facilities there, then the biodiversity resources can become materials for people who want to do research and finally, when research is done, we may get the products from the surrounding areas and what are essential in a research area are the power and water,” he pointed out.
Besides supplying power to Kalimantan, Sarawak Energy could also supply power to Brunei and Sabah, too, said Johari.
“On top of that, water is also a commodity that can be sold. In other words, the revenues from our dam development will be tremendous.
“With that set of scenario, I am sure Sarawak Energy’s ambition to become an ASEAN powerhouse will be achieved,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Chairman, Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi confirmed Sarawak Energy aspired to become a regional powerhouse for ASEAN.
“We have taken our first step towards a TransBorneo grid with our first interconnection to West Kalimantan last year. We aim to grow our interconnections so we can export more electricity as well as expertise in the development of energy,” he said.
Hamed revealed that in addition to Kalimantan Barat and Utara, Sarawak Energy was also currently talking to Sabah and Brunei on Power Exchange Agreements.
