JULAU: 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council (1MSAC) chairman Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum refuted criticism that micro-hydroelectricity projects implemented for longhouses in farflung areas in the state are a waste of government funds.

He said such criticisms were grossly unfair and unfounded because these projects would benefit the targeted groups.

Salang, speaking yesterday before launching a microhydroelectricity system project at Rumah Kedit in Sungai Buloh in Nanga Kemalih —about three hours’ drive on gravel road from here—said the projects are meant for rural folks not connected to the state grid.

“The projects have been proven effective to let them enjoy a better standard of living with regular and stable power supply,” he said.

“On top of that, the power comes free. With the projects too, each household was able to save between RM200 and RM300 monthly, which would otherwise be spent on buying diesel to fuel their generator sets.”

Salang said 1MSAC had so far implemented six such projects in Julau constituency and the recipients had all been happy and grateful for them.

He said the council obtained funds from Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia, which in turn received funds from many corporate bodies who gave the funds as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Salang advised longhouses which had such projects to form a committee for the purpose of maintaining them.

Micro-hydroelectricity system project consultant Belayong Jampong said a project was carried out in Rumah Micheal Jantan more than five years ago and was still functioning very well.

“As long as there is a suitable environment and especially with a constantly flowing river, such projects can be carried out,” he added.

Meanwhile, Salang said it is normal if some voters favour their state assemblyman more than their Member of Parliament or vice versa.

“To me, the most ideal is that voters like and support both. In this way, they will stand to benefit as they can benefit from both federal and state government projects aimed at bettering their quality of life,” he added.