NEWS & UPDATES

LUBOK ANTU
20 JULY 2024

Sarawak Energy’s Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) recently hosted a weekend of fun, fitness and cultural celebration, attracting more than 1,000 visitors from the surrounding Lubok Antu community to its Hydro Day 2024.

Organised by SEB Power, Sarawak Energy’s generation subsidiary, the Batang Ai Hydro Day took place from 13 to 14 July ahead of Global Hydropower Day, an event initiated by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) to highlight the role of sustainable hydropower in advancing clean energy.

The highlight of the event was the Batang Ai HEP Bubble Run 2024, where over 400 runners of all ages navigated the picturesque route along the Batang Ai reservoir. The run’s top 10 finishers across all categories received cash prizes and medals. In keeping with the theme, soap bubbles were blown from stations along the course to enhance the festive atmosphere.

The run was officially flagged off by SEB Power CEO, Ir. Bunyak Lunyong who was accompanied by senior leaders of Sarawak Energy, Batang Ai HEP employees, and community leaders.

In his opening address, Ir. Bunyak said that the programme was part of Batang Ai HEP’s ongoing community initiatives with the surrounding areas.

“The Batang Ai Run is an annual event designed to promote a healthy lifestyle among Sarawak Energy staff and the local community, contributing to our collective well-being. Hydro Day offers us the chance to showcase the positive impact of Batang Ai HEP on our community. Events like this highlight our commitment to community engagement while also promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

Commissioned in 1985, the Batang Ai HEP, Sarawak’s first hydroelectric plant, is celebrating its 40^th anniversary next year, marking a major milestone in Sarawak’s renewable energy transition journey.

The celebration aimed to familiarise the local community with the operations and benefits of the Batang Ai HEP, highlight its sustainability efforts and strengthen the plant operators’ relationships with agencies and the public. Exhibition booths set up by Batang Ai HEP's various units provided insights into Sarawak Energy's operations and the running of the hydroelectric plant.

The event also showcased activities that highlighted the unique culture and traditions of the local communities including a special performance by popular Iban singer Ramles Walter, dance performances by students from Sarawak Energy’s adopted schools in Lubok Antu, traditional games such as ‘Pekit Nyumpit’ (blowpipe competition), ‘Pekit Batak Tali’ (Tug of War) and ‘Pekit Belanda Dalam Guni’ (sack race). Attendees also participated in lucky draws and enjoyed local delicacies from food stalls.

The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), Lubok Antu police headquarters, Sarawak Skills, Politeknik Betong, Yayasan Sarawak International School, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation – offered booths and interactive experiences.

More than 400 runners participated in the Batang Ai Bubble Run 2024

Runners dashing through bubble stations placed along the course during the Batang Ai HEP Bubble Run 2024

Attendees of the Batang Ai Hydro Day 2024 event took part in the ‘Pekit Nyumpit’ (blowpipe competition)

Participants competing in the ‘Pekit Belanda Dalam Guni’ (sack race) during the Batang Ai HEP Hydro Day 2024 festivities

Ir Bunyak Lunyong (front), CEO of SEB Power, joins in the ‘Pekit Batak Tali’ (tug of war)

Participants giving their all in the ‘Pekit Batak Tali’ (tug of war) competition

Winners of the Batang Ai HEP Bubble Run 2024 posing for a photograph with Ir. Bunyak Lunyong, CEO of SEB Power (left), during the prize-giving ceremony.

The winning team of the Pekit Batak Tali (tug of war) competition being presented with their prize by David Gunda, Batang Ai HEP Station Manager (fifth from left).