NEWS & UPDATE

KAPIT
16 JUNE 2025

In line with the increasing demand for reliable and renewable electricity to support energy-intensive industries, Sarawak Energy is progressing the development of the 1,285MW Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) - the company’s largest hydropower project to date.

Scheduled for commissioning by the fourth quarter of 2030, the Baleh HEP is a strategic investment that will significantly boost Sarawak’s generation capacity through sustainable hydropower. The project supports Sarawak’s ambition to achieve high-income developed status by 2030 and aligns with the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies renewable energy as a key driver of long-term economic growth.

During a working visit to the project site today, the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg acknowledged Baleh HEP’s strategic importance as a future driver of Sarawak’s economic transformation as a key component in strengthening the state’s long-term energy security.

Also joining the working visit were The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak; The Honourable Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister for Works Malaysia; The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak State Secretary; The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim Haji Baki, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) and Sarawak Energy Chairman; The Honourable Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Native Law and Customs) Sarawak; The Honourable Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Deputy Minister for Digital Malaysia; as well as Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer; Elvis Didit, Resident for Kapit; and other officials.

Situated on the Baleh River, approximately 105 kilometres upstream from the Rajang River in Kapit, the Baleh HEP is expected to deliver an average annual energy output of 8,286GWh, with a firm generation of 8,076 GWh at 95% reliability. It will have an installed capacity of 1,285MW with a firm power output of 941MW. The project features a 192-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam at an elevation of 225 metres above sea level, with a total rockfill volume of 23.9 million cubic metres. Upon completion, the reservoir will span 588 square kilometres within a 5,625 square kilometre catchment area.

Construction activities are anticipated to generate approximately 3,500 jobs at peak, with local content currenty at 45%. Sarawak Energy is committed to local employment, investing in skills training and capacity building to maximise opportunities for the local workforce. Since 2015, continuous engagement sessions with nearby communities, conducted in collaboration with relevant government agencies, serves to address local concerns and ensures inclusive socio-economic benefits through a transparent consultation process.

The project adheres to international best practices, complying with the guidelines of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).

Sarawak’s generation mix is predominantly renewable hydropower, complemented by indigenous thermal resources to ensure energy security and supply diversity, with a total available capacity of 5,898MW.

The existing major hydropower plants - Batang Ai HEP (94MW), Murum HEP (944MW) and Bakun HEP (2,520MW) – will be further expanded with the addition of Baleh HEP, which will increase the total large hydropower capacity to 4,843MW. This development supports Sarawak’s targets of achieving 10GW of installed capacity by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, with renewable sources to account for at least 60% of the capacity mix.

Throughout the development phase, Sarawak Energy remains committed to sustainable project execution and operations, incorporating corporate social responsibility initiatives that prioritise its social investment focus areas of education and young people; environmental management and conservation; culture and heritage preservation; as well as community development and entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to create lasting benefits for local communities while protecting the environment and supporting Sarawak’s long-term goals.

The Honourable Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Works Malaysia; and The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim Haji Baki, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) and Chairman of Sarawak Energy, were present at the helipad to await the arrival of the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari arrived for a working visit to the Baleh HEP, where he was received by The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim, together with Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer.

The visit included an aerial overview and an on-site briefing at the viewing point, conducted by Ir. Tan Hang Kiak, Sarawak Energy General Manager for Baleh HEP.

A group photo at the viewing point followed the on-site briefing.

A comprehensive briefing session was held at Baleh Café 2, where Ir. Tan shared updates on technical aspects, progress, timelines and the Group’s commitment to social investment for the Baleh and Kapit communities.

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari shared his remarks following the briefing session.

Press conference led by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari with distinguished guests.