Taib, flanked by Harden (back row, sixth right) and Fatimah, together with the preschoolers and their teachers on stage. KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has suggested the setting-up of a foundation specifically for early childhood education in the state. He said the foundation is necessary to manage early childhood development programmes in the state more systematically. “What I can see, the early childhood education field in the state has reached great heights. “But what we have now is still insufficient and we need to think of the best way to further develop the field,” Taib spoke during the closing of ‘Randau Pengasuhan Taska’ convention at Institut Aminuddin Baki Sarawak branch, here yesterday. Taib also urged women to be actively involved in developing the field, especially the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) women’s wing. “I have spoken to several PBB leaders to use the womenfolk’s manpower. They have contributed a lot in economic and social development and other fields in the state, and now it’s time to focus on education development, especially early childhood education field.” During the event, he presented ‘Taska Penanda Aras Berkualiti Tahun 2017 Kerajaan’ award to Taska Permata Kemas Kampung Sri Tajo and ‘Taska Penanda Aras Berkualiti Tahun 2017 Swasta’ award to Taska Pondok Ilmu. At the same time, Taska Cahaya Horizon received the Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister’s special award, ‘Penanda Aras Berkualiti Tahun 2017’. Taib also announced an allocation of RM1 million for the development of early childhood education in the state. Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family, and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and Assistant Minister of Welfare and Community Well Being Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, were present at the event.

Jamit (right) and Aren discuss the longhouse’s expansion plans. KAPIT: Rumah Midin Saong at Sungai Pelajau, Bukit Goram is now ready to construct new units for eight families following the completion of a riverbank earth filling and levelling project. During a site inspection by Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat yesterday, assistant headman Aren Mawin said the 28-door longhouse was previously unable to build the new units because of the terrain. “With your help, now this piece of land has been levelled so eight families would be able to construct their houses here,” Aren explained. Jamit called on the longhouse folk to discuss the building plans with the village security and development committee (JKKK). “Discuss how best to design the houses yet to be built to ensure a proper setting. “This is important so that there is enough open space for parking and open ground with proper landscaping,” he suggested.

KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.   KUCHING: Sarawak is ahead of other Malaysian states in conducting Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIA) before any development projects begin.  Whilst pursuing growth, the Government of Sarawak is promoting sustainable development to ensure that the environment and the state’s natural resources are not adversely affected. Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said: “I regard environmental protection and sustainable forestry as an integral part of our State’s growth and our goal to achieve ‘developed’ country status by 2020.  It is of the utmost importance that we balance development and environmental conservation. This is a key priority for the Government of Sarawak.” Most recently, the Government conducted a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment on the Murum dam project.  This 940MW dam is the third hydro-power damto be built in Sarawak and the first turbine is planned for operation in August 2012. Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest and cheapest form of energy in the long run and due to today’s technologies, hydropower has a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels such as diesel. The SEIA Study for the Murum dam project complies with international standards, especially those of the Equator Principles and the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The study examines the social and environmental impact of the dam and the resettlement of the affected communities, including cultural heritage and ethnography. The key to effective resettlement is free, prior and informed consultation with regard to resettlement sites and livelihood options to ensure that the resettlement will result in an improvement in the lives of the people while retaining their cultural heritage. The study will be completed by early 2011 and a summary of the study will be made available to the general public for feedback. Sarawakis experiencing major construction and infrastructure projects as a result of the Government’s goals to modernise.  It aims to increase GDP by 500% and provide over one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people of Sarawak.  To do this, it is investing heavily in major industry, agriculture and energy projects. The Government embarked on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative in 2008, to develop industry across five key areas, Tanjung Manis, Samalaju,Mukah, Baram and Tunoh.  As part of the initiative two hydro power dams at Bakun and Murum, two coal power stations at Mukah and Balingian, an industrial park atSamalaju, a Halal food processing hub at Tanjung Manis, and a Science Park at Mukahare planned.  Connecting roads will also be built which will stretch in to rural areas such as Baram and Tunoh. The SCORE initiative affects a large area (320 km) and although significant the development is gradual and will take a total of 22 years to complete.  The Government of Sarawak is being very careful to ensure that this growth is sustainable and that it creates a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities whilst tightly monitoring the environmental impact to ensure it is kept to a minimum.  

February 7, 2020 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm The 25th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi is set to be an amazing milestone for the race and Malaysia. Held under the theme of “Sports Unite, Cycling Contributes”, LTdL 2020 is a special edition as it celebrates its silver jubilee with an attractive menu of activities that are set to fuel not only the sporting spirit of the cyclists and fans alike but also the nation as a whole. With Sabah and Sarawak back in the race route, it sure will bring more colours and excitement to this year’s edition of LTdL! Spectators and cycling fans globally can expect an intense, fast and furious competition throughout the race as riders push themselves to their limits with a target to win Asia’s most prestigious multi-stage cycling event.   Road users are advised to plan ahead when heading towards the city centre on Feb 7 to make way for the 25th Edition of Le Tour De Langkawi cycling event.   More info on https://www.theborneopost.com/2020/01/30/road-closures-throughout-kuching-city-centre-announced-for-25th-le-tour-de-langkawi/ Klik sini untuk Kenyataan Media SIDANG MEDIA LTDL 2020 @##@Le Tour de Langkawi 2020@##@Padang Merdeka, Kuching@##@2020-02-07@##@2020-02-07

Penguang (seated, centre) in a group photo with the course participants. He is flanked by Mackos on his right and Edrews. MARUDI: Local community leaders, including those who head the village security and development committees (JKKKs), must always realise that they hold the responsibility to serve those who have elected them – the community. In this respect, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil says the election of any leader is always based on trust. “People elect leaders whom they can trust and those who set good examples – even the way you walk influences how others see you. “We never want to hear some Penghulus who are always drunk, or a few who are involved in cockfighting. These kinds of bad behaviours are not only damaging to your reputation, but they also make it harder for the new leaders to perform their duties,” he spoke at the closing of a leadership course for local Malay community leaders in Baram Civic Centre here yesterday. The programme involved 77 Ketua Kaum and JKKK heads of the local Malay community. Adding on, Penguang who is Marudi assemblyman, called upon all local community leaders – be they from villages, longhouses or settlements – to focus their energy and work together for the betterment of this district. “You are also responsible in conveying government’s policies and plans to your fellow villagers.” Penguang also reminded the local leaders, particularly the JKKK heads, to compile and update the profiles of families in their respective communities. “The profile must state the head of each household, their education details and backgrounds such as how many members are college graduates, and occupation,” he reiterated. The closing ceremony was witnessed Marudi District Officer Mackos Sibong, state administrative officers Reagan Edwin and Nancy Abau, Marudi police chief DSP Gabriel Risut, Public Works Department engineer Faizol Hashim and course organising chairman Penghulu Edrews Abdul Ghapar.

World Harvest Festival 2017 will be held on 29 April till1st May 2017 at Sarawak Cultural Village. Organised in conjunction with Sarawak's Harvest Festival known as Gawai Dayak highlighting exciting cultural programmes such as: Theme play in Iban legends Ethnic beauty pageant "Miss World Harvest Festival" International cultural concert Ngabang or Open House visit to Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu Longhouses. World Harvest Festival (WHF) provides the opportunity for the non-Dayaks to understand the cultures, traditions and aspirations of the Dayak community.  This will be the 11th year in the running more info Contact : 082-846108/846078@##@Sarawak Cultural Village@##@Sarawak Cultural Village@##@2017-04-29@##@2017-05-01

CM: State govt determined to find best possible way to end the ambiguity on the two categories of land Abang Johari hitting a gong to start the conference. Looking on from left are Ganie, Morshidi, Awang Tengah, Uggah and Jaul. – Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi KUCHING: The state government will find the best possible solution to end the issue over territorial domain (pemakai menoa – PM) and communal forest reserve (pulau galau – PG) faced by the Bumiputera community, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. In view of this, he stressed that there must be a clear and precise definition on the status of the two categories of land that is acceptable to all the ethnic groups. He assured that under his leadership, the state government has the “obligation and moral standing” to solve the issue, which has been the wish of the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem. According to Abang Johari, he and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah were told by Adenan to solve the issue over the ‘pemakai menoa’ and ‘pulau galau’ (PMPG) following the verdict by the Federal Court in December 2016 that PMPG had no force of law in the state. “The government is aware that PM and PG are very close to the heart of the Bumiputera communities in the state and is becoming a great concern for them, and the government is sincere and will find the best possible solution to address the problem. “But at the same time, we also want a clear and precise definition that is accepted by all Bumiputera communities to become a force of law,” the Chief Minister pointed out when opening the PMPG conference at Imperial Hotel here yesterday. The conference was attended by 368 community leaders from across the state, representing the various ethnic groups and Malay community. Abang Johari hoped that the conference would come up with suitable recommendations pertaining to PMPG for the government to study and consider. Adding that the government was willing to amend the Sarawak Land Code on the two categories of land, he stressed that there must be a consensus among all the affected parties for the amendment to become a force of law. “Leaders in Barisan Nasional (BN) are willing to listen pertaining to PM and PG, and if necessary to amend the law (Sarawak Land Code) and we are sincere about this,” he asserted, adding that there must be a proper law on land to attract investors. Uggah, who is also chairman of NCR Land Task Force, said the issue over PGPM affected both the natives and Malay community. He pointed out that the government was taking a political channel to tackle the problem. During the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November last year, Uggah said the amendment to the Land Code relating to PM and PG should be ready for tabling during the DUN sitting in May this year. Deputy Chief Ministers Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Deputy State Secretary Datu Jaul Samion and Majlis Adat Istiadat president Datu Ganie Ugay were present.

KUCHING: The federal government through the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry will assist Sarawak in developing its water resources and resolving water and electricity supply issues in the state. Sarawak Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the minister concerned, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili during a meeting with him and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg on Monday had a fruitful discussion on the matter. “I am thankful to Datuk Seri Dr Ongkili who came all the way to get feedback and discuss water and electricity issues in Sarawak,” he told a press conference here yesterday after chairing the state-level National Day celebration preparation meeting. He said Ongkili had given his assurance to the chief minister that he would give Sarawak full support for the state to have a proper plan for its water and electricity development programmes. “Water is a real commodity and we are trying to separate hydrogen from oxygen from water so that it can be used to generate power to drive our vehicles. That is how we are looking at the future of our water resources,” Rundi said. — Bernama

KUCHING: Waste collection services for certain areas with Friday collection here would be brought forward to the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (June 14), while areas with Saturday collection would be carried out according to the normal schedule. Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd department manager for logistics operations III Halix Kuyong said the company’s operation teams would be working on double shifts on the eve of Aidilfitri. “Waste volume increases significantly, especially on days leading up to Hari Raya, and we would like to seek the public’s cooperation to pack their waste properly to prevent spillage and to help ease the collection process,” Halix said in a press release yesterday. The affected areas under the Kuching North City Commission are Gita, Petra Jaya, Matang, Samariang, Bandar Baru Samariang, Bintawa, Sejingkat, Demak, Bako, Satok, Siol Kandis, Sukma, and Santubong. Under the Kuching South City Council, the affected area is Tabuan Melayu, while under the Padawan Municipal Council, the areas are Batu Kitang, Batu Kawah, and Matang. The collection schedule for other residential areas will remain as usual. Residents are reminded to push out their wheel bins earlier to avoid missed collection. Members of the public are also reminded to keep their housing area clean by ensuring additional waste that cannot fit into the wheel bins are tied securely and placed next to the bins on collection day. To prevent unnecessary rainwater or leachate, bins should be closed at all times, while soup or gravy from food waste should be drained before being discarded into the bin. For more information, call Trienekens’ Hotline on 082-612300.

Dr Sim (front, fifth right) and Dr Adrian (front, third left), Dr Cheong (front, third right) and Tan (front, second right) in a photo-call with local community leaders attending the ‘World Rabies Day Community Empowerment Initiative’ in Kuching. — Photo by Tan Song Wei KUCHING: Members of the public are advised against letting their guard down on rabies as the virus outbreak has yet to be eradicated in the state. Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said although there had been no new rabies case reported, Sarawak still could not be declared rabies-free. “To be rabies-free by 2020, we (Sarawak) must ensure that there is no new case or virus infection within two years. “I’m not sure if we can achieve this, but we have taken preventive and control measures since the first case was reported in the state last June,” he said when officiating at the ‘World Rabies Day Community Empowerment Initiative’ at Pullman Kuching here yesterday. According to Dr Sim, rabies kills nearly 60,000 people every year, with more than 95 per cent of cases originating from infected dog bites. Historically, he said Sarawak had been rabies-free as at end of June this year, when three cases of rabies were notified by the state Health Department on June 30. “Until Sept 29, 2017, six (laboratory confirmed) human rabies cases with five deaths have been reported and 24 localities in three divisions (Serian, Kuching and Sri Aman) have been declared rabies-infected areas in Sarawak.” Dr Sim stressed that to eradicate rabies from the state, a long-term management outlook consisting of continuous public education and adoption of active vigilance would be crucial in stopping the spread of the disease. “That is why we need everybody to have the knowledge on rabies to make sure that this virus can be confined only to these three districts.” Dr Sim said rabies is 100 per cent preventable by ensuring access to life-saving treatments following dog bites, which are prompt wound management and post-exposure vaccination with or without passive local infiltration of rabies immuno globulin – post exposure prophylaxis. At the moment, he said the authorities had vaccinated about 30,000 dogs and 8,000 cats in Kuching, Serian and Sri Aman, noting that dog vaccination would also be the cornerstone in reducing risk of rabies-infected areas and ultimately, to eliminate rabies at animal sources. “Active case detection done in 333 localities involving 19,716 households to a total of 76,786 people interviewed until Sept 29, 2017. Dog bite surveillance has been strengthened; rabies vaccines and rabies immune globulin are made available, health education such as public talks, group discussions, dialogue sessions and distribution of rabies pamphlets had been done.” Meanwhile, Sanofi Pasteur Malaysia head of medical vaccines Dr Adelina Cheong highlighted the importance of education for communities affected by rabies. “Rabies is a topic close to our hearts due to the legacy of our pioneers, Louis Pasteur. Through his research and dedication, he discovered the world’s first efficacious rabies vaccine and in doing so, revolutionised the landscape of modern medicine. Sept 28 is the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur and World Rabies Day is observed as a tribute to his noble contribution.” Dr Cheong added that a key part of yesterday’s initiative centred on the education of communities living in affected areas with knowledge of the disease and how to limit the spread of the outbreak. “This outreach very much reflects the company’s commitment in making a difference in patients’ daily lives by supporting communities and people as a health journey partner in their time of need.” In the half-day programme, participants were educated on how to safeguard their communities from rabies by adopting a holistic outlook that focused on proactive monitoring and vigilance on the disease. Topics covered in the session ranged from pet ownership and welfare, waste management and a refresher in recognising symptoms of the disease and what to do in the event of a bite. Among those present at the event were state Veterinary Services Department acting director Dr Adrian Susin, political secretary to the chief minister Tan Kai, and Kuching Chinese Temenggong Datuk Tan Joo Phoi.

Awang Tengah gets ready to release the balloons at the programme launching ceremony. KUCHING: Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) is still very much relevant and has remained an important source of information, especially to those living in rural areas and the interior of the state. Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said it could not be denied that there were many medium for people to access information, including social media. He said people living in the interior where network coverage was limited rely on RTM’s radio service to convey urgent messages to relatives or friends, and its television channels for entertainment and news on happenings in the country and abroad. Awang Tengah said since many people were still solely dependent on RTM for news and information, it was high time the broadcasting agency make its programmes more interesting to attract the younger group of viewers and listeners. “It’s my hope that RTM will help highlight what we have achieved today by making comparison between where we were prior to independence and where we are at present. “Showing our past history is important for the young generation to know the hardships our past leaders faced in fighting for freedom.” He said this at the launch of RTM Sarawak ‘Berambeh #Sehati Sejiwa’ programme here yesterday. Awang Tengah said as RTM’s role was to disseminate information, the broadcasting agency should correct people’s perception on how Malaysia was formed. Many of them say Sarawak joined Malaysia when the fact is Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore and Malay Peninsula came together to form one nation called Malaysia. “Each of them has equal rights and is supposed to have the same autonomy as agreed upon by all parties prior to the formation,” he said. He said RTM can face the competition and challenges by being more proactive, creative and innovative in bringing in new products that suit the needs of present society. He said another aspect RTM should focus on was greater interaction with the local community to understand them better. To achieve this, the RTM Recreation Club can organise more activities for the public to participate in. The minister yesterday contributed RM20,000 to the club for setting up such a programme. Meanwhile state broadcasting director Salmah Ibrahim Melina in her welcoming address yesterday said their Berambeh #Sehati Sejiwa RTM Sarawak 2015 started on Thursday would end tomorrow. She said numerous events were being held – the highlight a live concert tonight.

To promote Betong as one of the tourism destinations in Sarawak. Various activities such as water sports, cultural performances, singing, colouring and others will be held during the festival.@##@Betong@##@Betong@##@2019-09-25@##@2019-09-29

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SEDC deputy general manager Edwin Abit (third left) presents mock festival tickets to Abdul Karim while others look on.  KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hopes the annual Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival is held on a fixed date each year or by end of September to allow jazz lovers worldwide know when to book their flights here. Based on the inaugural event last year, which was a sold-out, he is confident that this year’s festival would be the same. “Even people from Indonesia came here for the festival, and it shows how popular it is.” “I recall the beautiful venue and setup when I attended the inaugural edition of the festival last year. I can attest to, and have a wonderful experience of being serenaded by jazz, amplified by the ambiance of its location. It was just the first year but it managed to get sell-out crowd for both nights. I’m sure it will be the same this year and years to come,” he told a press conference here yesterday. He added that many events have been planned for Kuching starting this month, such as What About Kuching, International Dragon Boat Festival, Sarawak Regatta, Gendang Festival, Mooncake Festival, and this Jazz Festival. All these will make Kuching alive and vibrant, he said. He, however, said the festival venue had to be expanded in the coming years to allow more people to come and enjoy those festivals. He also suggested the renting of barges, to be docked at the waterfront, to accommodate the growing number of festival-goers. This year’s edition will feature 14 jazz musicians and bands from all over the world. They include Sarawakian songstress Dayang Nurfaizah, Tompi (Indonesia), Aditya (Indonesia), Atilia Haron, Carmen Souza (Portugal), The Natalie Gillespie Band (Australia), Aisyah Aziz (Singapore), Ito and the Blues Gang. It will be held from Sept 28-29 at Grand Margherita Hotel here. The concert begins at 6.30pm and ends around 12.30am. It’s a free-standing event, with plenty of food and beverages, arts, crafts, activities and workshops on the sidelines. There’s also music workshops by Ito and the Blues Gang, The Natalie Gillespie Band and Tuku Kame Jazz, which are free-of-charge and open to public.

The IEEE team surveying Kampung Salek to discuss the possible configurations of alternative lighting system deployment.   KUCHING: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Sarawak Subsection and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus IEEE Student Branch recently organised a visit to Kampung Salak as part of the IEEE Humanitarian Project. According to a press release, the project, also known as the Alternative Lighting Project (ALP), was divided into two phases: under Phase 1, the team conducted a feasibility study on the needs of the local community as well as surveyed different areas in the village. For Phase 2, which is expected to be completed next month, there will be a site preparation and installation of an alternative lighting system for the village where villagers will learn to install and use the system. “The IEEE team has decided to install up to 50 units of solar powered passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor wall lights and solar powered street lights in the village, especially at town hall, boat jetty, school, and well areas,” it added. Alternative lighting provides a number of benefits such as reduction in crime, amenity, streetscape enchancement, and convenience during night time emergency. The system is powered entirely by solar energy and is the most cost-effective way to provide lighting solution to the local villages. This project provides a suite of resources that inspire and enable IEEE volunteers to carry out impactful humanitarian activities for the local communities in Sarawak.

Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development

Abdul Karim (fourth left) declares open the restaurant, while his wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar (third left), Sim (second right), Abdul Wahap (second left) and others look on. KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports mulls the setting up of another ‘Top Spot Seafood Food Court’ here to cater to people in search of great food. According to its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the present Top Spot Food Court at Jalan Bukit Mata here has become too congested with local and international visitors flocking to the popular food court on a regular basis for its wide array of fresh seafood. “I have been informed by Datuk Bandar of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, who was also present at the function, that the food court was getting too congested. “Perhaps, we may want to have a second ‘Top Spot’ set up in Kuching to cater to the great demand, particularly visitors to the city. It can also indirectly help to transform the city landscape into a food haven,” he said at the opening of Restoran Budaya Sarawak at the Steamship Building in the Kuching Waterfront here on Tuesday. He added that tourists arrival to Sarawak had  been picking up lately, and many of them came not only for its tourist attractions but also for its mouth-watering local cuisine. “Food is always an important factor whenever tourists travel. In fact, there are tourists who visit a particular country just to enjoy certain foods that are available in that country. “Penang, for instance, is famous for its wide array of local food, which attracts many tourists to the state. We should also transform Kuching into something like that so that tourists can sample our food and enjoy the scenery too.” Abdul Karim thus commended Roland Sim the owner of Restoran Budaya Sarawak for setting up the restaurant that serves authentic local dishes such as ‘Manok Pansoh’, ‘Kerabu Midin’ and ‘Terung Dayak Ikan Masin’, among others. “This is a very good because it will enable our visitors to have a taste of Sarawak’s cuisine and at the same time contribute to our tourism industry,” he said.

Nyalau (third right, facing camera) with the local community leaders and villagers erecting the first electric pole for the Ulu Lemanak rural electricity supply project in the area recently. LUBOK ANTU: Twelve Iban longhouses in the Ulu Lemanak area here will finally be able to have electricity supply to their homes thanks to a rural electric supply project initiated by the government in the area recently. According to Lubok Antu MP Datuk William Nyalau Badak, the RM12 million project will provide electricity to areas stretching from Berenggang junction to Telinting (Rumah Anding). Speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, he said the project was expected to be completed in 2018. “For years I have been trying to get electricity to this area and I finally succeeded. I hope the people of Ulu Lemanak will finally get what they have been longing for all these years which is electricity supply,” he added. The absence of road connectivity to the 12 longhouses has made it impossible for contractors to construct electricity supply infrastructures to the area before this. Now that the 12 villages have a road linking them to the outside world, it would thus be easier for other infrastructures to be implemented in Ulu Lemanak. Meanwhile Nyalau led hundreds of villagers in a special ceremony to erect the first electric pole for the Ulu Lemanak rural electricity supply project recently. After the initiation of the project, Nyalau hoped that folks in Ulu Lemanak would realise that only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government could bring development to the people. Also present during the event were local community leaders and village (longhouse) chiefs.

Abang Johari (third right) presenting the Productivity Champion Certificate to Abang Abdul Karim, witnessed by (from left) Tengku Azmi, Abdul Rahim, Azman and Sabariah. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi KUCHING: The state must take the initiative to come up with a strategic plan to improve its industrial level towards the fourth industrial revolution otherwise known as Industry 4.0, said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to him, Sarawak has yet to fully achieve the second industrial revolution (Industry 2.0) which revolves around mechanisation. “We are not even in Industry 2.0 as not all our sectors are fully mechanised. That is why I have come up with various initiatives (Development Bank of Sarawak, Petros, digital economy, etc.) to create an awareness among people on the plans undertaken by the state government since I took over as the chief minister,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Business Excellence Seminar & Forum 2017 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday. He acknowledged that there were those who had queried his intentions of leapfrogging to Industry 4.0, skipping Industry 3.0 which leveraged electrical mechanisation with the power of computers. “Whether we can do it or not, that is why we need to have a strategic plan for us to leapfrog to Industry 4.0 and the key to this is good connectivity and good IT infrastructure. “All these initiatives that I have taken is to stimulate our economic growth and at the same time to stimulate the young talents. We have a lot of talented Sarawakians overseas and hope to bring them back so their talent can be applied within the Industry 4.0 ecosystem,” he explained. Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari touched on several of his initiatives including the Digital Village in Samajaya which the state government has allocated RM20 million for its development. “We are going to set up our digital satellite incubator that will be connected to our Digital Village and the Internet speed there will be at least 150Mb for each incubator.” On the forum organised by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Abang Johari said it provided a platform for experts from a multitude of organisations to share their insights and experiences on their journey towards business excellence. “I appreciate that this forum is one of the strategies used by MPC to facilitate dialogue and knowledge sharing on business excellence in order to augment productivity growth both at state and national levels.” Also present during the ceremony were Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Sabariah Putit, MPC chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim, MPC board of director member Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, MPC deputy director general Abdul Rahim Yusoff and MPC Sarawak Region director Tengku Azmi Tengku Majid.

(From left) John Peterson, Datuk Dr Pang Chau Leong and Datuk Dr R Palan. TECHNICAL Vocational Education and Training (TVet) is already acknowledged as a major driver of jobs growth in Sarawak into the future. Long viewed less favourably than other academic paths, the perception of TVet is quickly changing. The World TVet Conference 2015 held in Kuching last week provided Sarawakians with a glimpse of the excitement around the outlook for TVet – not just in Sarawak, but around the world. The atmosphere at the conference was incredibly positive, with attendees including experts in TVet from various parts of the globe. People who are incredibly passionate about TVet. People who understand andrecognise the opportunities TVet can provide for young people in Sarawak. People who realise TVet is the future. “TVet is very important today because most of the new jobs that are going to be created in the future will require not just academic qualifications, but increasingly TVet qualifications,” Department of Skills Development director-general Datuk Dr Pang Chau Leong, from the Ministry of Human Resources, told SarawakYES! at the conference. “And that is where the opportunities are, that is where the high-paying jobs are.” Traditionally, TVet qualifications have opened up career opportunities in areas such as automotive, engineering, and manufacturing. However, the career fields are expanding fast and TVet now provides a path to jobs in banking and finance and even in the biotechnology and aerospace industries. TVet can no longer be considered a second-choice education, and can no longer be looked down upon by parents who have long dreamed of their children attending university to become a doctor or a lawyer. John Peterson, managing director of the Best Practice Group of Companies in Australia, was among those attending the conference and spoke positively about how young people can take their existing talents to develop themselves into something valuable. “It’s quite incredible how your career can become something quite amazing if you just start with one skill. One skill can become so much more,” he said. “It does not matter if you start as a carpenter, or a tiler, or a plasterer, or a painter, anything. If you become a specialist you become very valuable, and the more you specialise the more valuable you become. You don’t have to actually be a brain surgeon to end up earning lots and lots of money. A normal trade can pay you very, very, well, and you can be held in very high regard with great respect and great esteem.” One of the exciting issues discussed last week was the idea that if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, the skills you learn in TVet can open up some real business opportunities. Being an entrepreneur not only allows people to build a better life for themselves, but also allows them to be their own boss. “I think it’s important to get people to think entrepreneurship, not think employment, because I think no government in this world can continue to create jobs for its population,” said SMR Group chairman and CEO Datuk Dr R Palan. “I think SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy) today opens up so many opportunities, and I think if you’re a Sarawakian you just need to acquire the skills, the skills to do something which is productive and valuable for the end product. And if you can actually mix that with entrepreneurship, you are set for whatever you want to do in life.” * This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.