AWAINA ARBEE New Straits Times 5 Oct 15;
KUALA LUMPUR: Plans are afoot to revive a proposal first mooted 17 years ago which could see Sarawak’s massive Bakun hydroelectric dam distribute electrical power to Peninsular Malaysia.
The idea was initially proposed in 1996, but was later shelved due to the 1998 economic downturn.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit said the move would see sufficient energy supplied to the whole country.
“This plan was originally mooted in 1996 when I was one of the pioneers tasked with exploring the possibility of transferring power from the Bakun dam to the rest of Malaysia.
“The initial plan was to channel electricity to Sematan, Sarawak and to Tanjung Piai, Johor in the peninsular," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after opening the Asean Energy Business Forum 2015, here today.
James added that the 2400MW dam can generate enough power to distribute energy not only to Sarawak but also the rest of the country.
