KUCHING: Sarawak will not build an undersea power cable supplying electricity to peninsular Malaysia as it would be "very costly" to do so, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Chief Minister said power generated from the Bakun dam, which the state government had acquired from the Federal Government, would mainly be used for local consumption.
"As far as policy is concerned, I have decided that we want to consume all the energy ourselves. Perhaps what we can do is to sell to our neighbours. What we are doing now is selling to west Kalimantan.
"But we are not going to build a dedicated undersea cable to the peninsula. That will be very costly," he told reporters at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Thursday.
The state government took over the Bakun Dam for RM2.5bil earlier this year, giving Sarawak full control over its energy resources.
Abang Johari also said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be invited for the dam's official handing over when the management transfer is completed in about three months' time.
"Due diligence has been done, it's now a question of handing it over. When it is fully handed over, we will officially have a ceremony. But at the moment we already own Bakun," he said.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
