NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING

26 MARCH 2025

Sarawak Energy continues to support conservation and environmental stewardship through scientific research and collaboration, emphasising the importance of preserving Sarawak’s natural ecosystems. As part of these efforts, Sarawak Energy in collaboration with University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has published a new book documenting the biodiversity of Baleh National Park.

Titled ‘Life from Headwaters to the Coast: Baleh, Heart of Sarawak's Wilderness’, the book compiles findings from the 2015 Heart of Borneo (HoB) Scientific Expedition, conducted in partnership with Sarawak Energy, UNIMAS, the Forest Department of Sarawak and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. It offers a comprehensive account of Baleh’s flora, fauna and geology, contributing to ongoing conservation and research efforts.

The book was co-edited by Sarawak Energy’s General Manager for Sustainability, Mohamad Irwan Aman, alongside Prof. Dr. Mohd-Azlan Jayasilan and Prof. Dr. Indraneil Das, both from the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC), UNIMAS. In a handover ceremony held at Menara Sarawak Energy on 17 March, Prof. Dr. Mohd-Azlan, who also serves as IBEC director, presented the book to Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili.

Sharbini stressed the importance of scientific research and conservation in supporting sustainable hydropower development.

"The Baleh region is home to extraordinary biodiversity and plays a critical role in Sarawak’s renewable energy future. The Baleh Hydroelectric Project is a cornerstone of our strategy for the state’s sustainable energy development, and protecting the surrounding environment remains our top priority,” he said.

Sharbini added that research efforts such as the Heart of Borneo’s (HoB) Scientific Expedition provide a stronger scientific basis for conservation strategies.

“This book highlights the importance of scientific research in guiding conservation and sustainable resource management. Protecting these ecosystems ensures that hydropower development remains sustainable, benefiting future generations.”

"Sarawak Energy will continue working with partners in research and conservation to safeguard the natural ecosystems that support our energy development initiatives. Collaboration across industries, government and academia is key to striking a balance between progress and sustainability,” said Sharbini.

Mohamad Irwan said preserving catchment areas is critical to maintaining the sustainability of Sarawak’s hydropower resources. 

“Protecting and conserving our catchment areas is fundamental to ensuring their long-term sustainability. Our approach integrates conservation into policies and strengthens collaboration with government agencies and research institutions,” said Mohamad Irwan.

He added that scientific data from the expedition has already contributed to conservation efforts in Sarawak.

“The impact of these initiatives is evident, with expedition data supporting the gazettement of new national parks. These findings, along with studies on ecological connectivity, form part of Sarawak Energy’s broader efforts to document and protect critical ecosystems,” he said.

Prof Dr. Mohd-Azlan highlighted the importance of scientific collaboration in biodiversity research.

“This collaboration has helped researchers document the richness of Baleh’s ecosystem and support Sarawak’s broader biodiversity conservation agenda,” said Dr Mohd-Azlan.

He added the book features a comprehensive inventory of Baleh’s biodiversity, covering species ranging from fungi to large mammals, while also offering insights into the area’s geology, ecotourism potential. and local communities.

“One striking discovery is Homaloptera orthogoniata, a species that thrives in the highly oxygenated rapids of Baleh’s tributaries, a strong indicator of the region’s pristine water quality. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems in areas surrounding key infrastructure projects like the Baleh Hydroelectric Project.”

The publication of the book reflects Sarawak Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship, supporting its ongoing efforts to balance energy development with the protection of Sarawak’s natural ecosystems for future generations.

The book will be available for purchase soon via UNIMAS Publisher’s online bookshop at https://www.publisher.unimas.my/index.php/online-book-shop.

For enquiries or expressions of interest regarding the book, please contact Puan Lydia Jinap ak Libentius at lljinap@unimas.my or call 082-592928.

Irwan discussed key conservation efforts to protect catchment areas in Sarawak, highlighting the importance of policy integration, scientific expeditions and collaborations with government agencies and academia. These initiatives have contributed to the gazettement of protected areas, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for hydropower resources.

Prof. Dr. Mohd-Azlan Jayasilan highlights the significance of biodiversity conservation in Sarawak, particularly in the remote and challenging terrain of Baleh. The research showcased species from fungi to large mammals, ecotourism potential and geological features, reinforcing the area's pristine and sustainable status.

Prof. Dr. Mohd-Azlan Jayasilan presented Datuk Haji Sharbini with the ’Life from Headwaters to the Coast: Baleh, Heart of Sarawak's Wilderness’.

Group photo of Sarawak Energy and UNIMAS team.