Sarawak Energy’s electric boat is headed for operational work at the Batang Ai reservoir, including dam safety inspections, environmental monitoring and transporting personnel. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin attended the Oct 21 handover of the Boat Licence and River Transport Permit at Pangkalan Sapi. The solar-supplemented vessel will also support visits to the floating solar farm, according to the announcement reported by DayakDaily. The 10-metre fibreglass boat has twin 40 kW electric outboard motors, a 92 kWh battery and 3.6 kWp of rooftop solar panels. Its reported operating estimates are 40–50 kilometres of range and roughly three to four hours of use, with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Registered passenger capacity is 12. These are vessel specifications and estimates, not a published passenger-service timetable. Lee said range, charging facilities, river conditions, safety and cost-effectiveness would need evaluation before wider adoption. Batang Ai will provide experience with operational reliability, charging and maintenance. The immediate development is a licensed boat for reservoir duties; other electric-vessel applications across Sarawak remain under study.

Sarawak approves RM6 million road to Nanga Kapu in Batang Ai Sarawak has allocated RM6 million to build a road to Nanga Kapu, with the announcement made at the Batang Ai Community Engagement Programme in Lubok Antu on Aug 28. The project is intended to improve access for remote residents travelling to essential services and economic opportunities. The announcement did not include the road’s length, final route or a construction timetable, so the funding is not yet an indication that a new road is open for use. The next milestones are the design work, tender and appointment of a contractor. The construction schedule will become clearer once those steps are completed.