Sarawak to establish Lake Development Authority by 2030
Abang Johari (second right) when visiting Baleh Hydroelectric Dam project. Photo: TVS KAPIT: A Lake Development Authority (LDA) is set to be established by 2030 to oversee sustainable development of lakes and dams across Sarawak. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the authority will manage all lakes in Sarawak, including major dams. These include Batang Ai, Baleh, Murum, Bakun, and other natural lakes identified for high-impact, environmentally responsible development. “There must be a balance between the project itself. The power generation project and sustainability in terms of environmental preservation. It has to be done together. “I must say that we have learned lessons from the development of Batang Ai and Bakun, and we are now adjusting ourselves in line with global needs to preserve the environment in response to climate change,” he said. He said this during a press conference after visiting the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam, here today (June 16). Abang Johari also expressed confidence in Sarawak Energy Berhad’s (SEB) ability to complete the Baleh project by the targeted 2030 timeline. He said the project, combined with the 1-gigawatt capacity from combined cycle gas plants in Bintulu and Miri, boosts the state’s energy supply. “If we add everything together, we now have around 7 gigawatts, while our actual need is only about 3 gigawatts,” he explained. By 2030, he said Sarawak expects to reach 10 gigawatts in generation capacity, not including the proposed solar or hydrogen energy projects. He added that planned solar projects in Bakun and Murum could each contribute another 1 gigawatt. “Excluding our efforts on hydrogen, it means we already have enough energy resources—with about 60 to 70 per cent coming from renewable sources. “And that is our green power,” he asserted. The Premier expressed optimism that no other region currently matches Sarawak’s green energy output, which will help attract more investors to the state. “We will also enter the Asian Green Room. I believe SEB will meet the targets through 2035, perhaps even beyond,” he added. Source
