The cost to channel electricity to Sabah from the Bakun hydro-electric power project in Sarawak will be high owing to the difficult land terrain as well as the low demand of about 300 megawatts in that state, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Noriah Kasnon said it would be more cost effective to build electricity generating stations in Sabah to meet the demand there, especially in the east coast.

Replying to a question from Senator Maijol Mahap, she said the government had identified two potential hydro-electric generating areas, in Ulu Padas and Liwagu, to ensure sufficient electricity supply in Sabah.

The controversial Bakun dam project, expected to cost RM7.5 billion, is projected to be ready by 2011.

Undersea cable to peninsula

The project has been dogged by delays and setbacks since its approval in 1993.

The dam, which involves flooding an area the size of Singapore, has attracted fierce criticism because of its impact on the environment and the fact that 10,000 people have had to evacuate the site.

The government has also approved a plan for a 700km power cable linking the hydro-electric project to peninsular Malaysia.

Environmentalists however have argued the undersea cable will be unsafe because it crosses an earthquake-prone region.

- Bernama