BELAGA: The federal government is negotiating with the state government on the proposed sale of Bakun Hydroelectrify Dam, revealed Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Najib Tun Razak.
He said the negotiation was ongoing as the project had yet to be completed. The RM7.2 billion project is expected to be completed next year. When fully operational, the hydro dam will have a maximum capacity of 2,400 megawatts of electricity.
The Sarawak government has shown a keen interest to secure the mega project to boost its energy intensive industries under the Sarawak Corridor of renewable energy (SCORE).
Najib told the media this after a meet-the-people session at Rumah Belor, Sg Asap here yesterday.
Najib said he had planned to see the dam but the trip was cancelled due to prevalent bad weather.
Presently the water at the dam has reached more than 160 metres, nearing 195 metres needed to start the first of six turbines. It is expected to reach 195 metres in April due to continuous heavy rain upstream from the dam.
Najib said he would support the effort of Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo to build a heritage museum for the people at Sg Asap.