KUCHING (Aug 19): The state’s floating solar power plant, including the 50-megawatt (MW) facility at the Batang Ai Dam, is scheduled to begin operations this December, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

The Minister of Utility and Telecommunication said the facility only covers three per cent of the dam’s surface area, leaving room for potential expansion to other hydro reseirvoirs such as Murum and Bakun.

“This initiative will attract foreign investors and help Sarawak achieve its vision of becoming a high-income state in the future,” he said when officiating the 10th edition of the Project Of Dream Realized (PRO-DR) Roadshow 2025 at the Dewan Pembangunan Sebuyau yesterday.

Julaihi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman, said this added that  the development reflects how technology and innovation, combined with Sarawak’s natural resources, can drive economic growth.

“Not only that, this also proves that Sarawak is on the right track to becoming a green energy hub in the region and contributing to Malaysia’s ambition of being the ‘Battery of Asean’,” he said.

Julaihi further noted that China’s rapid development today was made possible through long-term investments in education, particularly in STEM and digital learning.

“Their progressive approach in education has enabled advances across industries. Likewise, it is not impossible for Sarawak to achieve rapid progress with a younger generation equipped with STEM and digital knowledge,” he stressed.

Digital innovation, he added, plays a crucial role in improving daily life easier for the people.

The PRO-DR programme was jointly organised by the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas), the Sarawak Education Department and various higher learning institutions.