NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING, 21^ST JANUARY, 2019, MONDAY:- Sarawak Energy continues to work with project-affected communities where its hydroelectric power plants are located to ensure the continued growth and development of the people.

For 2019, the State-owned energy development Group is allocating a total of RM600,000.00 for educational incentives for the resettled communities of Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai through the Bakun Charitable Trust.

The energy provider already provides RM200,000.00 each for the resettled communities of Batang Ai and Murum on an annual basis. Under the MoU, Sarawak Energy will provide an additional RM200,000.00 to the revolving fund to be placed under the care of the Trust to help to meet the specific educational needs of the Bakun Resettlement Scheme.

Sarawak Energy’s new social investment follows the acquisition of Bakun hydropower plant operator Sarawak Hidro from Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance in 2017.

This was marked today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Energy and the Bakun Charitable Trust. The event was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

Group Chief Executive Officer Datu Sharbini Suhaili and Executive Vice President for Corporate Services Aisah Eden signed on behalf of Sarawak Energy. Bakun Charitable Trust was represented by Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing who is also Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister as well as Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon.

The fund will be used to provide educational incentives to encourage academic excellence for primary and secondary students from the area as well as financial aid for further studies at higher learning institutions. The fund will also be used for other educational development programme as well as to improve learning facilities for the benefit the Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang and Penan communities in 15 longhouses in the Bakun Resettlement Scheme.

Sarawak Energy Chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi said the State-owned energy developer has a strong sense of responsibility towards the people of Sarawak, especially those affected by its projects.

“We want to build and leave a positive and lasting legacy by partnering with communities affected by our projects for sustainable collaborations in these areas of education and young people; culture and heritage; community development and entrepreneurship; as well as environmental management and conservation,” he said in his welcoming speech, adding that Sarawak Energy recognised the importance of education in helping any community to prosper.

At the same event, Sarawak Energy also presented cheques of RM200,000.00 each for the Batang Ai Education Fund and the Belaga Penan Education Fund.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg (standing 6^th left) and other guests witnessing the signing of the MoU between Sarawak Energy and Bakun Charitable Trust. The signatories are (from left) Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Datu Sharbini Suhaili and Aisah Eden.