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SARAWAK will commence the development of its first cascading hydroelectric dam in the Kapit district, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has announced, following formal consent from indigenous communities in the area.
“This cascading dam across Sungai Gaat will be built as the locals had given their consent to the project. I have received their consent letter,” he said during a dinner event with state energy authorities on Friday evening.
The dam, to be constructed along the Gaat River, will adopt a multi-tiered design to allow for the installation of turbines at different elevations, maximising energy output while maintaining ecological flow.
The announcement follows Johari’s earlier pledge, made during last year’s Baram River Regatta, to develop cascading dams in Sarawak’s rural heartlands — notably in Kapit and Baram — to improve electricity supply and river management.
“We want to have new cascading dams constructed in Kapit and Baram to produce electricity for the rural communities,” he said. “These cascading dams are also effective ways of preventing crocodile breeding in remote rivers.”
He added that he had discussed the matter with Kapit Member of Parliament and Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and would be engaging with state assembly members and MPs for further consultation.
“These rivers in the deep interior are big and deep enough for cascading turbines. The dams will encourage the growth of fish species, help restore river habitats, and control the movement of crocodiles,” he said.
Abang Johari reiterated that the state government would continue to identify suitable rivers for further cascading dam projects and bring the proposals to ministerial level for consideration at the right time. - May 17, 2025