Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Thomas Jalong, aktivis alam sekitar dari Baram – Jangan Membina Empangan Lagi di Sarawak
> Gereng Jadum, Penan dari kawasan Pemindahan Metalun, (Empangan Murum) - Pembinaan Empangan Murum Membuat Komuniti Penan Kesulitan dalam Pembangunan
> Zulhaidah Suboh, PKR Sibuti - Dilema Pertanian Sarawak: Penanaman Padi atau Empangan?
> Jeffrey Ngui, pengerusi Muda Sarawak - Usaha Bersama MUDA dan PSM: Mendesak Peletakan Jawatan Sementara Zahid Hamidi
On Today Show
> Thomas Jalong, environmental activist from Baram – Putting an End to Dam Construction in Sarawak
> Gereng Jadum, Penan from the Metalun Resettlement area, (Murum Dam) – Murum Dam Construction Leaves Penan Community Struggling for Development
> Zulhaidah Suboh, PKR of Sibuti – Sarawak's Agricultural Dilemma: Rice Cultivation or Mega Dams?
> Jeffrey Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak – MUDA and PSM's Joint Efforts: Urging Zahid Hamidi's Temporary Resignation
------------------
Thomas Jalong, environmental activist from Baram
*Putting an End to Dam Construction in Sarawak*
Premier Abang Johari Openg has highlighted Sarawak's potential to generate 20,000 megawatts (MW) of hydropower through the construction of additional dams, facilitating electricity export. Currently, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) owns Bakum, Murum, and Batang Ai dams, with the Baleh dam under construction, set to produce 1,285 megawatts and be operational by 2027. SEB is already exporting electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and aims to export to Sabah by 2024.
In response, Thomas Jalong commented that whenever the Sarawak state government discusses power exports, the focus inevitably returns to large dams. Despite talks of alternative energy sources, the predominant recommendation remains centered on large dams.
Sarawak already possesses numerous large dams, including the forthcoming Baleh Dam. Despite this abundance, not all of Sarawak's regions have access to electricity, which is disheartening and concerning.
The dams proposed by GPS are primarily located in the interior river regions, where the local population relies on rivers and forests for their livelihoods. This is a matter that warrants our attention.
It is apparent that these proposed dams are primarily intended for electricity export to other countries rather than benefiting Sarawak's residents. This prioritizes economic interests over the well-being of the people.
Furthermore, this situation has garnered international attention due to the disruption and destruction of customary lands belonging to indigenous communities without their consent, causing severe environmental damage.
Thomas Jalong urges the public to remain informed about these issues and calls upon GPS to immediately cease the destruction of the interior forests and rivers, which are essential to the livelihoods of the interior communities. He implores them to halt further dam construction.
