IPOH: The implementation of the RM5.8 billion Hydro Life Extension Programme (HLEP), supported by the development of a Centralised Placement Facility as a strategic component in the Sungai Perak hydroelectric corridor, continues to strengthen Perak's position as a driver of the country’s future green economy.
Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said that with a capacity to generate over 650.75 megawatts, the project not only enhances the operational efficiency of hydroelectric power stations, but is also capable of attracting high-value investments, including in the green technology and data centre sectors.
"Tenaga Nasional Bhd
's (TNB) investment for the HLEP project is set to be the main catalyst for economic growth in Hulu Perak, and this development impact is expected to boost nearby areas, such as Gerik and the Hulu Perak district.
"The state government is also committed to ensuring every phase of this project provides holistic benefits to the people. As such, the empowerment of local contractors and the development of vendors will become strategies to sustainably strengthen the industry's ecosystem,” he said in a statement.
He said this in his speech on behalf of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad at the HLEP project's groundbreaking ceremony for the workers’ quarters in Bandariang, Gerik, here today.
Mohammad Nizar also officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony, which was also attended by state Women, Family, Social Welfare, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Datuk Salbiah Mohamed and Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak.
Mohammad Nizar said the development of HLEP also indirectly creates opportunities, especially for locals, to be involved in technical work and related operational support.
"As such, cooperation between industry players and training institutes is extremely crucial to ensuring the local workforce can meet the required skill demands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Redza Rafiq said HLEP is not merely an energy infrastructure project but a strategic instrument that shapes a new economic landscape for the state, integrating clean energy development, empowering human capital development and strengthening the industrial ecosystem within a holistic framework.
"Strengthening the Temengor-Bersia-Kenering hydroelectric corridor will continue to boost investors’ confidence in the state's energy capacity, pave the way for new industrial growth, and place Perak at the forefront of the country's Renewable Energy (TBB) transition agenda,” he said.
On the development of the centralised placement facility, he said it can house 200 workers and is a critical component in ensuring the operational efficiency of large-scale projects such as HLEP.
"In a major project of this magnitude, the real strength lies not only in the technology, but in the individuals who run it. This facility provides a conducive, safe and organised environment to ensure that the workforce can operate at the optimum level,” he said. - Bernama
