Sarawak Energy boosts Baleh communities’ wellbeing with cataract screenings, safety training, sustainable farming

Dr Therese Ong (left) from the Ophthalmology Department of Hospital Sibu checking the eyes of a participant during a cataract screening programme in Baleh.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 25: Over 80 residents from communities surrounding Baleh underwent cataract screening as Sarawak Energy continues to strengthen its social management commitment through recent health and safety programmes in Kapit.

According to a media release, these initiatives are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support the welfare of the communities impacted by the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) development.

Among these initiatives was a cataract screening programme, organised in collaboration with Hospital Sibu and Hospital Kapit, on Aug 24 as part of Sarawak Energy’s Eye-Health Screening and Operation Campaign.

Continuing its focus on community safety, Sarawak Energy also conducted a Fire and River Safety Awareness Training in collaboration with the Kapit Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).

This training included practical demonstrations on fire and river safety, focusing on risk prevention, response measures, and essential safety guidelines to better prepare communities for potential incidents.

Fire extinguishing demonstration during the Fire and River Safety Awareness Training by Bomba Kapit.

In February this year, Sarawak Energy contributed 140 fire extinguishers, 60 life jackets, and 330 smoke detectors to 10 longhouses in Baleh to boost safety preparedness.

As part of its broader community engagement efforts, Sarawak Energy held a programme on Aug 21 at Rumah Jamit in Nanga Sepanggil, which involved over 50 participants from the communities.

During the event, 5,805 chilli, ginger and Terung Asam seedlings and fertilisers were distributed to support sustainable agriculture practices. This initiative empowers community members to cultivate their own farms, generating additional income sources while promoting environmental stewardship.

In alignment with its commitment to transparency, Sarawak Energy regularly engages with the local communities to keep them informed about the progress of the Baleh HEP and the availability of various programmes.

The village heads and community representatives taking a group photo with Sarawak Energy personnel at Rumah Jamit in Nanga Sepanggil on Aug 21, 2024.

These include Sarawak Energy’s Sustainable Livelihood Development Programmes and social investment initiatives like the Community Upskilling Training and the Baleh Education Fund, all designed to improve the livelihoods and the resilience of the Baleh communities. — DayakDaily