August 1, 2009
BAKUN (Sarawak): Construction of the RM7.8bil Bakun hydroelectric dam, the second highest concrete-faced dam in the world, is 90% ready.
The creation of a water catchment – the size of the state of Kelantan – will begin in the next few months, said Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd managing director Zulkifle Osman, the project developer.
A delegation of 16 Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club members yesterday visited the 205m-high dam which towers over the jungles of Kapit Division in central Sarawak.
The MPs spent the past four days in the interior, visiting the native Penans and the Bakun and Murum dams.
Mega project: The massive Bakun dam in central Sarawak is nearing completion. The RM7.8bil Bakun hydroelectric dam is the second highest concrete-faced dam in the world. Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd managing director Zulkifle Osman, the project developer, said the creation of a water catchment – the size of the state of Kelantan – will begin in the next few months.
The trip was arranged by Ulu Rejang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo. Also in the delegation are Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Amin Mulia, Deputy Home Minister Jelaing Mersat and Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.
Zulkifle said the impoundment would start in October. By July 2010, testing for electricity transmission from Bakun will start.
“By next October, the whole reservoir will be flooded and we can start operating the two turbines by then,” he said.
He added that the wildlife in Bakun were being rescued, together with the valuable biomass such as the rare plants and trees.
As for the 15,000 folk evacuated from their homes to make way for the dam, the MPs were told that the state Agriculture Department and the tourism development authorities were trying to help them improve their livelihood.
Asked about the possibility of floods, Zulkifle said warning systems had been set up but it would take more than 430mm of rainfall for the dam wall to overflow.
Overflowing was unlikely as the maximum rainfall in Bakun was only 100mm at any one time, added Zulkifle.
The MPs called on the state and federal governments to help the natives of Bakun.
Among the problems that must be addressed are land right disputes with timber and plantation companies, financial problems, lack of basic necessities, the birth certificate and MyKad dilemmas of the stateless Penans and their education needs.
“I want the rural MPs from Sarawak to continue pressuring the authorities to help these Penans. Keep knocking on their (ministers’) doors. Don’t give up,” said Amin Mulia.
