Electricity supply with the completion of a solar energy project under the Sarawak Rural Electricity Scheme (SARES). Power and Energy

MIRI: More than 130 residents from the 36-door Penan longhouse in Long Itam in Sungai Patah Abang now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply with the completion of a solar energy project under the Sarawak Rural Electricity Scheme (SARES).

DENNIS (standing, fourth left) with residents of Long Itam, Hulu Baram at the launch of SARES solar energy project at the longhouse.

Long Itam Village Head Ken Balan said they were lucky that Long Itam was one of the earliest Penan settlers to enjoy solar energy facilities.

"The use of solar energy can reduce the financial burden of buying diesel fuel for power generation, not even for 24 hours," he said during the launch of the RM1.8 million SARES solar project.

Ken is grateful to the Sarawak Government especially Telang Usan State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Dennis Ngau and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).

He said although the longhouse had power but some of the family's doors were still dark as they were unable to buy a lamp.

"However, solar power projects provide relief because no more darkened families," he said.

Earlier, Dennis in his speech said the state government through SARES targets 100 per cent to have electricity supply by 2021.

"So far, 43 of the 83 longhouses in the Telang Usan constituency already have electricity, which means that half lives have not had electricity," he said.

Dennis advised residents of the longhouse to care for the solar project well as well following the instructions and advice from SEB officials to avoid damage or accident.

He also announced a RM5,000 rural project grant (MRP) grant to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), Long Itam Church (RM5,000) and Long Itam Women's Bureau (RM2,000).