Baleh hydroelectric project on track for 2028 despite pandemic delays

The Baleh hydroelectric project, a 1,285MW dam in Kapit, Sarawak, is on track to commence operations by 2028, according to Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. The construction is expected to be completed within the next three to four years, despite some delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and worker-related issues.

“Our schedule for the dam to be completed is in 2026 to 2027. It is on schedule and running smoothly. We only faced some hiccups when construction works were halted during the Covid-19 pandemic and then after the pandemic, there were some issues with workers,” he told reporters after attending a dinner event.

The Baleh Dam, initiated in 2018, is one of Sarawak Energy’s largest hydropower projects. Once completed, it will provide sufficient renewable hydropower capacity for Sarawak’s development and future growth, meeting the region’s demand for reliable and renewable energy.

Regarding the proposed 275MW hydroelectric dam in Trusan, Lawas, the Premier mentioned that the state government is still conducting feasibility studies.

The announcement was made during a dinner hosted by Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, which was attended by Deputy Premiers Douglas Uggah Embas and Sim Kui Hian, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Stephen Rundi Utom, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and Utility and Telecommunication Minister Julaihi Narawi.