Amendment of Electricity Bill 2023 crucial and timely, says Baleh rep

KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become the main driver of hydroelectric power in the Southeast Asian region with a well-organised plan and effective governance.

In stating this, Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai said it is very important to improve the law related to renewable energy so that the goal can be successfully realised.

“The amendment of the Electricity Bill 2023 is crucial and timely for the improvement of the existing ordinance in our efforts to make Sarawak the main driver of hydroelectric power in the Asean region.

“In that regard, with systematic and strategic planning and controlled by efficient and effective governance, we are also on the right track to become a developed state by 2030.”

He said this in the debate in support of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was presented by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here on Tuesday (Nov 21).

He then said effective and efficient electricity governance is also a key factor in encouraging domestic and foreign parties to invest and obtain electricity from the state.

“Among the latest developments, Singapore has expressed its desire to get 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Sarawak. Additionally, Sabah is also planning to import our electricity, with implementation expected to start from 2024.

“Therefore, we are very fortunate to be blessed with vast and diverse natural resources. This can not only stimulate the economy in the area where the hydro-electric dam is built but can also increase the source of electricity throughout the state.”

Adding further, he said Sarawak will continue to strengthen its position in the production of renewable energy in the next five years with the completion of the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

“When operational later, the dam is expected to generate 1,285 megawatts of electricity. Adding value to existing dams such as Batang Ai and Bakun, while the fifth hydroelectric dam in Trusan, Lawas, is still at the feasibility study stage.”