Belaga, Baleh should be jointly recognised with Kapit as Sarawak’s ‘powerhouse’, says Senator

The Murum Dam which is about 40 km away from the Bakun Dam.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 26: Belaga and Baleh should be jointly recognised alongside Kapit as Sarawak and Asia’s true “powerhouse” due to their strategic role in hosting major hydroelectric projects that drive the region’s energy ambitions, said Senator Abun Sui Anyit.

The Dewan Negara member said while he welcomed statement by Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi who described Kapit as Sarawak’s “powerhouse”, such recognition should be expanded to reflect the broader reality on the ground, where key energy infrastructure is distributed across Belaga and Baleh.

He pointed out that two of Sarawak’s major hydroelectric dams, the Bakun Dam and Murum Dam, are located in Belaga, while the Baleh Dam is situated in the Baleh area within the Kapit District.

“All three projects fall under the P.216 Hulu Rajang parliamentary constituency, which serves as the backbone of Sarawak’s power generation capacity.

“Therefore, when we speak of Kapit as a powerhouse, similar recognition should also be extended to Belaga and Baleh,” he said in a statement today, stressing that the three areas collectively form the foundation of Sarawak’s energy sector and its aspiration to become an Asian energy hub.

Abun Sui Anyit

Abun Sui said the interconnected role of Belaga, Baleh and Kapit makes them inseparable in discussions on Sarawak’s energy development, as each contributes significantly to electricity generation and national development goals.

He also highlighted the contribution of the Orang Ulu community in Belaga, noting that they make up more than 90 per cent of the district’s population and have long supported hydroelectric development projects in the region.

“These communities have made significant sacrifices for the development of these projects and must also receive fair and equitable development benefits,” he said.

Abun Sui urged both the federal and Sarawak governments to continue prioritising infrastructure development, basic amenities, education, healthcare, job opportunities and economic growth in Belaga and Baleh to ensure rural communities are not left behind.

He stressed that the expansion of Sarawak’s energy sector must be matched with tangible improvements in local livelihoods.

“Energy industry development must translate into improved livelihoods for local communities. Only then can development truly be inclusive, fair, and sustainable,” he added. — DayakDaily