The Sarawak state government has given the green light for the construction of the 275-megawatt Trusan dam in Limbang Division, after the completion of the Baleh dam in Kapit Division in 2025.
The Trusan dam is one of 12 hydroelectric dams proposed to be built to satisfy the state’s project power needs and the demands of its neighbours, with an aim of generating a total of 7,000 megawatts by 2026.
The proposed Trusan dam is relatively small compared to the state’s mega dams—Bakun (2,400 megawatts), Murum (944 megawatts) and Baleh (1,285 megawatts)—as noted by The Malaysian Insight.
While these mega dams only generate electricity, the Trusan dam will supply both electricity and water once completed.
“The Trusan dam will not supply electricity and water to northern Sarawak, but we will also supply these two commodities to our neighbours Brunei and Sabah,” said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg, as reported in the Malay Mail Online.
The state-owner power supplier Sarawak Energy Bhd would undertake its construction.
The chief minister gave an assurance that the state government will ensure the Trusan dam will not adversely affect the environment in the area. “We will contain the environment because we want to preserve our rich biodiversity intact.” — Construction+ Online
