KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit on Wednesday urged the parties responsible for the impoundment of the Bakun Dam, to release more water to increase the water level of Rajang River.
He said the impoundment had adversely affected the tourism industry in the area and the livelihood of the people downstream.
“Because of the shallow water level, some of them lost their jobs as tourist guides and have to chop firewood for a living because there are no more tourists coming after the water level dropped,” he told reporters after launching the “Jeffry Lim Freedom to Express Essence of Love” photo exhibition, here.
Dawos was commenting on a newspaper report yesterday, that the low water level in the upper reaches of Rajang River had affected the tourism industry in the area.
The water level has been receding since the Bakun Dam impoundment began and eventually dropped by more than four metres.
Dawos, who is the former environment adviser for the Bakun Dam project, said that one of the conditions for the contractors involved in the project was to release 150 cubic metres of water per second.
“But now, the contractor has only released 110 cubic metres of water per second,” he said.
Since the impoundment began on Oct 13, the water level of several rivers including Sungai Balui and Rajang dropped drastically which resulted in the operations of express boats, the main mode of transport in the area, being affected.
Meanwhile, the exhibition showcases Lim’s 15 years of experience in photography in over 35 countries where he shared his love for his family, friends, career and the community through visual storytelling.
The exibition is being held at the Bangsar Shopping Centre from today until Nov 19. — Bernama