Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan
KUCHING: The government has completed the technical studies on the Limbang, Lawas and Trusan hydro dams in the northern region of the state.
Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan told The Borneo Post Tuesday that the projects were the state government’s priority and could be implemented under the 10th MalaysiaPlan (10MP).
Although he did give the cost or estimated figures for the projects, he stressed that these projects were the government’s priority.
“Limbang hydro dam will produce a total 245 megawatt with Limbang I producing 45 megawatt and Limbang II, 200 megawatts,” said Awang Tengah, who is also the Public Utilities Minister.
Lawas hydro dam will produce 65 megawatt and Trusan 250 megawatt, he added.
On the interest of the Brunei government in buying the power from Limbang and Lawas
hydro dams, he revealed that it is also the government’s priority to discuss the matter with the sultanate.
“It is not only about hydro development but also how Brunei will get to participate. We will give them the option,” he said.
Brunei’s participation in the interconnection of the transmission lines is also very important and it is not only to meet their needs but we must give them that option, he added.
Tengah also disclosed that Brunei is upgrading its cables and that the state is doing the same
from the main power station to Sg Tujuh (The border post of Limbang and Brunei).
He also revealed that the government is going to tender out the ‘interconnection’ project soon.
On the benefit of the project for the northern region of Sarawak, Tengah said it would be more beneficial once there is interconnection between Limbang/Lawas transmission lines and the state electricity grid.
“At the moment, the electricity supplied is based on diesel generated power which is expensive,” he said.
When the hydro projects are completed then they will become part the state electricity grid, he added.
Asked to comment whether the priority to build the hydro projects was mainly to sell energy to Brunei Temburong Industrial Park, Awang Tengah replied that the sultanate has its own priority and needs, but for the state the projects are especially good for Sarawak Energy Bhd.
“Once these projects are completed in the northern region, we don’t have to depend on diesel generated electricity,” said Awang Tengah.