Premier proposes elevated roads on peatland as part of sustainability efforts

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has put forward two proposals to enhance Sarawak’s sustainability efforts, which is to research on elephant grass (Napier grass) for biomass production and constructing elevated roads on peatland.

He suggested that the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) explore the possibility of planting elephant grass between sago palms.

The grass, he said, could be harvested and processed into pellets, which can then be used as feedstock for electricity generation.

“While you plant or you have growth of sago palms, maybe in between, if the soil is good, I would propose we conduct a scientific study on the benefits of having Napier grass in between.

“I am unsure about the roots of Napier grass, because if the grass can be grown, it has potential benefits for the small communities to earn extra income.

“Apart from earnings from sago-based products, if Napier grass is feasible, it can also be a source of biomass,” he said during the 15th International Sago Symposium Gala Night organised by TROPI at the research institute, Kota Samarahan last night (Sept 24).

Abang Johari, who is also the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said he had visited a factory in Bintulu that produces grass pellets and sold to power plants in the United Kingdom.

“With an area of 800 hectares, the company produces 2.5 million tonnes of pellets annually. In other words, planting Napier grass alongside sago palms could offer the community another source of income.

“Perhaps, in addition to biomass production, the Napier grass can also be a source of food for the livestock,” he said.

The second proposal by the Premier was on constructing elevated roads over peatland as an effort to reduce road maintenance cost.

“I want TROPI to cooperate with the Public Works Department (PWD) on this initiative. If roads are to be built, it should be an elevated road, which means you cannot spoil the peatland,” he said.

He added that elevated roads, though initially costly, would reduce long-term maintenance costs.

“I have requested PWD to look into it, and perhaps TROPI can provide some data about the quality of the peatland and how to manage the peat when you construct elevated road.

“To Datuk Dr Lulie Melling (TROPI director), if you need some financial assistance, I am ready to provide financial assistance for the research,” he said.