NEWS & UPDATES

BALEH

18 NOVEMBER 2023

Sarawak Energy, Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer, has launched the cultural festival "Pesta Main Adat Asal" and a tree-planting campaign for Baleh communities as part of its commitment to cultural and environmental preservation.

This initiative aims to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak's Iban community, fostering community spirit through the celebration and revitalisation of indigenous games and cultural practices, while also contributing to global sustainability efforts.

The festival featured a diverse range of traditional games, including Batak Lampung, a unique one-on-one tug-of-war; Pekit Nyumpit, a blowpipe competition; Pekit Pantun and Naku Buah Inyak, showcasing traditional Iban poetry; and Pekit Selingkut, a skillful game involving small rocks.

In addition to that, competitions were also organised especially for the women’s group to celebrate the unique indigenous culinary art of the Iban community and a Ngajat competition which aims to preserve the dance heritage and encourage the interest among the younger generation.

Other than the cultural festivities, Sarawak Energy collaborated with Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak and Baleh communities on the tree-planting campaign. A total of 2,000 fruit tree seedlings were distributed and planted at longhouses along Baleh.

The launching of the tree-planting campaign was held at SK Temenggong by Bukit Mabong District Officer Calvin Ligong together with Sarawak Energy’s General Manager for Baleh HEP, Ir. Tan Hang Kiak and representatives from DOA Sarawak.

Speaking at the event's opening ceremony, Sarawak Energy’s General Manager for Baleh HEP, Ir. Tan Hang Kiak emphasised, "Embracing our roots and nurturing our future, the Pesta Main Adat Asal and the Tree Planting Initiative represent Sarawak Energy's commitment to sustainable development.

Ir. Tan highlighted that these initiatives are aimed at honouring and preserving the rich culture of the Iban community of Baleh by reviving their interest in traditional games, poetry, dance, and culinary heritage.

He added, "Our ambitious tree-planting campaign is a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship. Together, these initiatives are a powerful expression and work on our responsibility to preserve our cultural identity and ensure a greener, more sustainable future for all."

During the event, Sarawak Energy also presented contributions to 54 longhouses in Baleh to support the community’s upcoming Christmas celebration.

He said the Baleh project team would continue to work in partnership with local agencies and communities to carry out social investment programs centred around education for youth, culture and heritage, community development and entrepreneurship, and environmental management and conservation.

Past initiatives include the Baleh Youth Skills Training Programme and the Baleh Education Fund, which benefited youths from the Baleh areas. Sarawak Energy also empowers women artisans in Baleh through its handicraft development programs that aim to preserve culture and heritage as well as support entrepreneurship.

In line with its corporate-wide Integrated Tree Planting Campaign, Sarawak Energy aims to plant and protect 500,000 trees by 2030. To date, more than 79,000 trees have already been planted through collaborative efforts and initiatives across various business units.

In 2020, Sarawak Energy became the first corporate body in Malaysia to commit to the 'Business Ambition for 1.5°C' pledge under the United Nations Global Compact Network. By committing to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030, the company has set science-based emission reduction targets across relevant scopes, in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Sarawak Energy is one of the first 30 power utilities worldwide to adopt Science-Based Targets for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, reflecting its proactive stance in addressing climate change.