Bakun HEP has been key in supplying Sarawak with sustainable , reliable , and affordable renewable energy

Sarawak Energy ’ s Bakun Hydro Power Generation operates and maintains the 2,400MW Bakun Hydroelectric Plant ( HEP ).

Established in 1996 , the PMHA is the country ’ s premier environmental award for businesses and industries , recognising outstanding performance and leadership in environmental excellence . Held biennially , the awards are presented to organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to addressing ecological challenges , with an unwavering dedication to positively impacting the environment through innovative practices and initiatives .

Besides the Challenge Trophy , Sarawak Energy received two category-best awards for Bakun Hydro Power Generation and Mukah Power Generation . Both took home Excellent Achievement Awards , while its Sejingkat Power Corporation received a Notable Achievement Award in Environmental Performance .

Speaking at the award ceremony , Minister of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad emphasised the importance of industries continuously striving towards improving sustainable practices to embrace a green economy .

“ While the government has introduced various initiatives to encourage industries to ramp up environmental conservation , including funding to promote research and development in green technologies , training programmes and incentives to reduce negative impacts on the environment , we also realise that ultimately , the best way forward is for businesses and industries themselves to realise that sustainability is the way forward ,” said Nik Nazmi , who later presented the awards .

He further highlighted the significance of institutions like the Prime Minister ’ s Hibiscus Awards in acknowledging industry players , particularly from the private sector , for their commitment to sustainability .

The minister congratulated the award winners and called for unified efforts from all stakeholders — the government , industry players , academics and the public — to promote sustainable living ; underlining that industrialisation in Malaysia could be more environmentally friendly by adopting a sustainable consumption and production approach .

He added : “ I trust that the remarkable achievements of the winning companies

will inspire others to emulate their success for the benefit of our cherished nation and our planet .”

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer , Datu Sharbini Suhaili , credited the success to the hard work and commitment of the management and staff of Sarawak Energy .

“ The Sarawak government has long emphasised balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social wellbeing . The State prioritises environmental sustainability , economic prosperity and inclusive society as key pillars in the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy ( PCDS ) 2030 .”

“ As Malaysia ’ s largest renewable energy developer , Sarawak Energy believes that every one of our 5,500 employees has a role in environmental stewardship .

“ We have implemented corporate-level environmental programmes to promote sustainability and environmental excellence across the business . It includes circular economy principles , initiatives , Go Green campaigns , and awareness programmes .

“ In November 2021 , we established a Biodiversity Conservation Committee to streamline biodiversity conservation efforts across the Group and are the first corporate body in Malaysia to commit to the United Nations Global Compact Network ’ s ‘ Business Ambition for 1.5 ° Celsius ’ pledge to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 ° Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2030 .”

REDUCING CARBON INTENSITY IN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Sarawak Energy , through Bakun Hydro Power Generation , operates and maintains the 2,400MW Bakun Hydroelectric Plant ( HEP ). One of Southeast Asia ’ s largest HEPs with an onsite team of 173 , Bakun HEP has been key in supplying Sarawak with sustainable , reliable , and affordable renewable energy . Since commencing operations in 2011 , Bakun HEP has also contributed to reducing Sarawak Energy ’ s carbon intensity in electricity supply by 76.5 per cent .

Other environmental initiatives by the facility include establishing a conservation island and implementing circular economy programmes within its operations . The facility retains zero non-compliance and non-conformity findings on its environmental management system from an external Certification Body since it was first certified with ISO14001 in 2019 .

Sharbini said Sarawak Energy was honoured to receive the awards as it was a much-respected external validation of the Group ’ s ongoing efforts to reduce ecological footprints and inspire positive change within the industry and beyond .

He explained : “ We align our business

to the San Jose Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower ’ s principles to ensure sustainable hydropower delivers ongoing benefits to communities , livelihoods and the climate based on the belief that ‘ the only acceptable hydropower is sustainable hydropower ’. Sarawak Energy will continue to work towards Environmental Excellence in all our operations , with a strong focus on sustainability in everything we do .

“ All of our hydropower dams are designed and constructed following stringent guidelines set by the International Commission on Large Dams ( ICOLD ) to withstand extreme flood events and are also following guidelines set out by the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol of the International Hydropower Association .”

EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

Meanwhile , fellow Excellent Achievement in Environmental Performance award winner Mukah Power Generation impressed with their efforts as a socially responsible corporate neighbour .

In 2021 , the facility completed a project to prevent soil erosion at nearby Sungai Badengan , simultaneously safeguarding both the environment and the welfare of nearby villagers . Mukah Power Generation also actively organised internal and public household e-waste campaigns , treeplanting , and early education programmes .

The Prime Minister ’ s Hibiscus Award is jointly organised by Malaysia ’ s leading private sector non-profit organisations concerned with corporate environmental responsibility , namely , the Environmental Management and Research Association of Malaysia ( ENSEARCH ), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers ( FMM ) and Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( MICCI ).

The Prime Minister ’ s Department , Ministry of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change and the Department of Environment endorse and support the award . – @ Green

Sharbini Suhaili ( 3rd right ) and SEB Power CEO , Ir . Bunyak Lunyong ( 4th right ) received the PMHA Challenge Trophy from Minister of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change , Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad ( 2nd right ).