Kuching: The views and consent of the local community will be taken into consideration before implementing the cascading dam project in Sarawak. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government has adopted an open approach and will not proceed with any element of coercion if the affected communities disagree with the project.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed dam project in Belaga was originally requested by the Penan community in the area. However, certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) later instigated the locals to reject it. Abang Johari emphasized that the project will only proceed if the local community is in favor. He stated, "The project was requested by the Penan community there, but certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) later instigated the locals to reject it. So, when they ask for it, we will implement it. But if the people there do not want it, there is no point for us to proceed. Why should we create unnecessary problems? If they want it, we will help them," he told reporters after attending the 40th anniversary celebration of the Batang Ai Dam.

Previously, it was reported that the Sarawak government had identified three river sites for the construction of cascading dams, namely Sungai Gaat in Kapit, Sungai Tutoh in Baram, and Sungai Belaga in Belaga. The project will be developed by private companies, with electricity grid connections provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said that besides generating electricity, cascading dams could also help address the issue of the growing crocodile population in Sarawak. He explained that with cascading dams, large areas of land will not be submerged as they utilise existing rivers. This construction method will aid in controlling the crocodile population, especially in terms of reproduction. "Currently, the use of boats has declined while the crocodile population continues to increase. For example, in Batang Baleh, since the construction of roads, fewer people use boats and the number of crocodiles has risen," he said.