No Coal...

The decision of the Sabah State government last week to do away with the proposed RM 1.2 billion, 300 MW coal-fired plant, near Lahad Datu, Silam was a positive one. It is significant because the major consideration was environmental preservation, which is rarely the main motivator for a decision of that nature. It is said that the plant is a potential environmental threat to the pristine Danum Valley and Darvel Bay. The utility company was asked to look for other more environmental-friendly way of generating the needed electricity.
Coal is one of the dirtier fossil plant. It is known to emit sulphur dioxide, the cause of acid rain, soot particle, and a contributor to global warming through the emission of carbon dioxide. Coal-fired plant is only about 30% fuel efficient, the rest is wasted and some go to pollute the environment.
As Sabah and Sarawak develop following the pace of development in Peninsular Malaysia the need for energy there is expected to increase. Bakun hydro potential in Sarawak, which is also tagged to be the energy source for the Peninsular through a submarine cable, has also been mentioned as the potential source for energy in that region. Perhaps the total potential of Bakun could be dedicated and reserved to fulfill the requirement of Sabah and Sarawak without any transmission to the Peninsular. Then we can do away with the 1000 km long or so submarine cable as well.