Telang Usan banks on multi-pronged approach to economic revival

EFFORTS are underway to chart a transformative economic roadmap to revitalise the Telang Usan constituency, focusing heavily on mega-investments, green energy, and grassroots agricultural projects.

Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau revealed that while the constituency has steadily benefited from various government development projects, it faced economic setbacks brought about by developments in the logging industry and the Sarawak-Sabah Gas Pipeline (SSGP) project.

“My constituency has benefitted various development projects from the government including the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), Highland Development Agency (HDA) initiatives, and timber welfare programmes.

“However, the region has faced economic setbacks following the wind-down of traditional logging industries and the Sarawak-Sabah Gas Pipeline (SSGP) project.

“Addressing this core challenge, we are banking on a multi-pronged approach to economic revival,” he said when met with Sarawak Tribune at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex.

Dennis revealed that there is a proposed massive private investment near Long Lama, which aims to convert former oil palm land into an integrated solar farm.

“The project has essentially been approved by the Sarawak Premier on a verbal basis.

“It is a private investment rather than government-funded, with a staggering total investment value of about RM7 billion,” he said.

Beyond green electricity generation, Dennis said the integrated solar farm concept is designed to function like a modern township, incorporating training schools, modern paddy farming, livestock production, and data centres to generate substantial employment and economic opportunities for the Baram region.

“Investors and financial backers are ready to mobilise, pending final grid-connection approvals from Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).”

Furthermore, he noted that this initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision, falling under the proposed Special Baram Economic Zone outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.

In addition to the solar project, the constituency is advancing other economic drivers, including the proposed cascading dam in the Tutoh area announced by the Premier.

This includes community-wide promotion of commercial bamboo cultivation, which is easy to manage and provides accessible income for locals compared to oil palm.