Sarawak govt targets 100pc electricity supply

(NST) – “If we have to build more dams, we will go ahead regardless of whether foreign non-government organisations or activists agree or not. The dams belong to us, to our country”

THE Sarawak government will build more dams to meet its target of achieving 100 per cent electricity coverage in the state.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said electric coverage in the state currently stood at 90 per cent, and more effort was needed to achieve the target.

“If we have to build more dams, we will go ahead regardless of whether foreign non-government organisations or activists agree or not. The dams belong to us, to our country,” Adenan said at the state Public Utilities Ministry’s 10th anniversary celebration here yesterday.

He said supplying 24-hour electricity and treated water to the people was part of the rural development agenda.

“This will increase development, raise the prosperity level in the rural areas and narrow the gap between urban and rural communities.”

Public Utilities Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the ministry had achieved 90 per cent electricity supply and 80 per cent treated water supply. Power generation capacity has increased to 2,400 megawatt, compared with 900 megawatt 10 years ago.

On meter-tampering, Awang Tengah said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) had over the last three years inspected more than 100,000 meters and found that 12 per cent had been tampered with.

“SEB was able recover arrears of RM30 million in the past four years. Several cases are pending trial.”