Reconnaissance Studies of Micro Hydro Potential in

Malaysia

Ibrahim Hussein and Nathan Raman

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNTTEN)
Km 7, lalan Kajang-Puchong, 43009 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
ibrahim@uniten.edu.my

Abstract- Malaysia is blessed with abundant streams and rivers
flowing from highland areas, thus promise it with a lot of hydro
power potential. To date Malaysia had utilized these potential in
the range of large and mini hydropower but very few in the
micro hydro range. This paper presents the results
reconnaissance studies carried out to identify the micro hydro
potential sites in Malaysia. The reconnaissance studies were
conducted with data from the Department of Survey
Mapping Malaysia, (JUPEM) and Metrological Department
Malaysia. All the identified streams were located in areas which
are accessible and/or showed evidence of settlements. Only
streams with high head i.e. above 50m, were considered in this
study. From the reconnaissance studies, a total of 149 sites were
identified. However, the energy demand for micro hydro was
found not significant as most areas in Malaysia are electrified.
Still, micro hydro generation may serve as alternative renewable
energy source in future amid rising electricity cost.
Keywords - Micro hydro, reconnaissance study, renewable energy.
1. INTRODUCTION
Hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy
source worldwide as it contributes 19% of the world's
electricity power from both large and small power plants [ 1,2].
In Malaysia, hydropower utilization for electricity generation
started in July 1900 when a small hydroelectric plant was
constructed on the bank of Sempam River near Raub, Pahang
by the Raub-Australian gold mining company [3,4]. The
utilization of hydropower in Malaysia to supply electricity for
domestic use however, was only commercially available
around the 1970s [3]. To date, there are twelve large-scale
hydropower stations and fifty eight mini scale hydropower
stations in Malaysia with Bakun project is another large scale
hydropower plant in progress with a total generating capacity
of 2400 MW [5]. In total, Malaysia has hydropower electricity
generating capacity of about 18,500 MW and this represents
about 20% of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the largest
power utility company in Malaysia, total generation capacity
[6,7]. Although Malaysia had successfully benefited from large
and mini scale hydropower for electricity generation, micro
hydro had only been recently implemented in a few sites in
East Malaysia [8,9]. However, there are still no micro hydro
schemes in West Malaysia. The potential of micro hydropower
in Malaysia has not been fully identified. With hilly
topography almost from South to North, East to West and
abundant number of streams flowing to foothills, Malaysia has
a lot of micro hydro potential.
Micro hydro generation capacity is in the range of 5kW to
100kW [ 10]. If this potential is fully utilized, it will help in
of
generating power from environmentally friendly run-of-river
type of hydropower system. It provides a good solution for
energy problems in remote and hilly areas where the extension
and
of grid system is comparatively uneconomical. Micro
hydropower had already proven to be a practical and potential
low-cost option for generating electricity at remote sites,
particularly for small villages in hilly areas such as East
Malaysia, India, China, and Kenya [8,9, 10]. Indonesia,
Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian and African countries have
micro hydro projects implemented which in most cases
implements standardized technologies for off grid
decentralized village hydro schemes. In some cases the micro
hydro systems replace the diesel generators and are used as
hybrid systems with solar powers [ 1 1]-[14]. These systems
also had been used for direct mechanical energy for small
industries and agriculture such as battery charging, welding
workshop, crop processing, and grain milling in developing
countries [ 15]. Since the micro hydro system can be used as
direct mechanical drive scheme or electricity generation
scheme, the installation of these systems in the remote villages
especially the mountainous one had bring huge social
economic development in the villages [ 10]. There is also a
possibility for off-grid connection serve as decentralized
generation from micro hydropower to the surrounding areas if
proven economical. Micro hydropower projects are generally
considered to be more environmentally favourable than both
large hydro and fossil fuel powered plants. With all these
advantages, micro hydropower can be said as principle
renewable sources for sustainable development especially in
developing countries.
This paper presents the results of reconnaissance studies
carried out to identifY the micro hydro potential sites in
Malaysia. In this study, the topography maps and hydrology
data were used to identifY the heads and the mean annual flow
rate of the sites. All the identified streams were located in areas
which are accessible and/or showed evidence of settlements.
Only streams with high head i.e. above 50m were considered in
this study. Using the heads and flow rates, the available
hydraulic power of the micro hydro sites can be estimated.
 II. OVERVIEW OF MICRO-HYDRO POTENTIAL IN MALAYSIA Ill. METHODOLOGY

Malaysia comprises of two distinct regions which are West
Malaysia covering Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia
covering North Borneo. In total, both regions cover land area
of 330 000 sq. km in which 58% is lowland areas and 42% is
highland areas [ 16]. The highland areas in Malaysia are
created by numbers of well known ranges. In Peninsula
Malaysia, the highland areas are created by ranges such as
Titiwangsa, Tahan, Bintang, Kledang, and Pantai Timur.
Barisan Titiwangsa range is the main range which is
considered as the backbone of the Peninsula. In Sarawak, the
highland areas were created mainly by Tama Abu, Iran and
Kapuas Hulu ranges. In Sabah the highland areas were created
by Crocker, Maitland and Brassey. With average rainfall of
2540 mm in Peninsula, 2630 mm in Sabah and 3850 mm in
Sarawak, Malaysia is blessed with abundant streams and rivers
flowing from the highland areas created by these ranges [ 17].
Combinations of highland areas with huge river networks
promise Malaysia with a lot of micro hydropower potential.
Figure 1 and 2 show the map of Peninsula Malaysia and East
Malaysia respectively.
In identifYing the micro hydro potential sites in Malaysia,
reconnaissance studies were carried out. A reconnaissance
study is an initial stage or preliminary study to identifY
hydropower potential sites [ 19]. Reconnaissance studies are
divided into two main parts which are map studies and
hydrology studies. For both part of the studies, topographic
maps and meteorology data were used to estimate the head
and flow rate of the identified micro hydro potential sites.
A. Map Studies
Map studies were done by using topographic maps
obtained from department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia
(JUPEM). Below are the details of the topographic maps used.
Map name: Malaysia topography map (Series L 7030)
Scale: 1:50 000
Contour: Contour Vertical interval 20 meters
From the topography map studies, detailed information of
the sites was recorded. Listed below are the information
gathered during the studies.

Name of catchment areas and streams

Latitudinal extent and longitudinal extent

Highest and lowest elevation

Gunung The site terrain and river profile description

Birctang Gunung lahn
(1880 m) (2187 m) Possible intake, diversion to fore bay and
powerhouse elevation.

Available head and catchment area estimation

Ran.!i:P
3 - Bintang Ran.. All the details showed the physiographic characteristics of
4 - K.led". &no"" the sites. From the physiographic characteristics, the sites
5 - Titil,:\"gsa!&np
6 - Be-nem R.s.neo having micro hydro potential were predicted.
7 - Tahan Rs..ng
8 - Pantai Timur fun< . From the details above, the suitable catchment areas which
may have micro hydro potential were identified by
Figure I: Map of Peninsula Malaysia [18].
considering three main factors which are energy demand,
accessibility and river profile. The terrains of the catchment
9 - Crocker Range Gunung Kin.halu areas were carefully studied to find the suitable elevation for
10 - Tm, Madi Range (4104 m) stream diversion and head. The river profile refers to the
11- Wi!ti Range
12 - Maitland Range river's gradient and its tributaries. This helps to determine the
13 - Bra,sey Range streams water resources and flow availability. Overall, from
14 - Tama Abu Range
the map studies, the suitable streams, heads, catchment areas,
15 -Iran Range
16 - Hose Range and waterway routes were identified for micro hydro
17 - Kapua, Hulu Range generation [ 19]. The catchment areas were used for hydrology
18 - Kelinkang Range
studies. The available head is estimated by determining the
difference in elevation between the possible intake and tailrace
of the site.

B. Hydrology Studies
Since most potential micro hydropower sites are ungauged,
(2371 m) i.e. no measurement of streams flow rate, the stream flow
Figure 2: Map of East Malaysia [18]. available for micro hydro generation was predicted by
estimating the mean annual flow, Qrn. The catchment water
balance methodology was used to estimate Qrn [ 15]. Qrn was streams identified for micro hydro generation were found to
determined using Equation 1. have enough flow for micro hydro electricity generation. The
site stream exploration were carried out in lohor, N. Sembilan
and Pahang.
Qm = (AARDx Area) /31536 ( 1)

Qm =Mean annual flow in m3/s IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

AARD =Annual catchment runoff depth
Area =Catchment area in km2
The long term average annual catchment runoff depth
(AARD) is given by Equation 2.
AARD =SAAR - AE
The results obtained from the reconnaissance studies are
discussed according to regions i.e. Southern Region, Central
Region and Northern Region and for East Malaysia according
to states i.e. Sabah and Sarawak. Table 1 shows the summary
of the micro hydro potential sites for the whole of Malaysia.
Details on studies carried out in Peninsular Malaysia are
described in the paper by Nathan et.al. [23].
(2)

AARD =Average annual catchment runoff, mm TABLE I" MICRO HYDRO POTENTIAL SITES BY STATE
No. State No. of Sites
SAAR =Standard average annual rainfall, mm
1 lohor 12
AE =Actual evaporation, mm 2 Negeri Sembilan 17
3 Malacca 0
Actual evaporation was estimated from potential 4 Selangor 2
evaporation (PE) using a scaling factor r, where r increases 5 Pahang 26
6 Perak 34
with SAAR and hence increasing water availability. The actual
7 Kedah 5
evaporation is estimated using Equation 3:
8 Penang 0
AE =rx PE (3)
9 Perlis 0
10 Kelantan 10
PE =Evaporation rate
11 Terengganu 3
This relationship between r and SAAR is given by: 12 Sabah 18
13 Sarawak 22
r =0.00061x SAAR + 0.475 for SAAR < 850mm

r =1.0 for SAAR 2': 850mm A. Southern Region ofPeninsula Malaysia

For catchments with annual average rainfall in excess of
850mm/year, it was assumed that actual evaporation equals to
potential evaporation. SAAR and potential evaporation were
estimated from the rainfall and daily potential evaporation (PE)
data. The annual rainfall and daily evaporation data used were
from period of 1997 to 2007 and were obtained from
Malaysian meteorological department [20]. For the daily
evaporation data, the annual evaporation data for each year was
calculated for the period of 1998 to 2007. The average annual
evaporation and average annual rainfall for the 10 years were
used for hydrology studies. Both annual rainfall and daily
evaporation data used were taken from nearest meteorology
station.
The estimated Qrn values gave an indication whether the
flow at the identified site is adequate for micro hydropower
generation or not. Even though the approach used to estimate
the mean annual flow may not be precise, the values obtained
are reliable enough to estimate the total available hydraulic
energy on the specified sites [2 1], [22].
C. Site Exploration
A series of stream exploration were also conducted to
verity the results of the reconnaissance studies. From the
exploration, the streams identified for micro hydro generation
were searched and the real conditions of the streams and its
surrounding were studied carefully. A few sites were selected
for site exploration. Generally from the exploration, all the
From the reconnaissance studies carried out, 12 micro
hydro potential sites were identified in lohor, 17 sites
identified in N. Sembilan and none in Malacca. The identified
sites for lohor and N. Sembilan are shown in Table 2 and
Table 3 respectively. From the map studies, it was found that
there are no much hilly regions except for the Tahan range and
two isolated mountains which are the Mount Pulai and Mount
Ledang in Johor. In these hilly regions, 12 sites have been
identified to have micro hydro potential and 6 identified sites
in Bekok, along the Tahan range. At these there are orang asli
settlements with good road accessibility. Orang asli is the
native/indigenous people of Peninsula Malaysia and most of
them live in or near the jungles. The sites located in these two
mountains have good road accessibility with high heads.
In Negeri Sembilan, the hilly regions were found to be
located in the middle part of the state i.e. in Kuala Klawang,
lelebu, K. Pilah, Seri Meranti, and Rembau. The hilly regions
are created by the Titiwangsa range. From these hilly regions,
17 sites were identified to have micro hydro potential. All the
sites are located very near to vilIages located at the foothills of
Titiwangsa range. The sites were selected because of good
accessibility with high heads.
In Malacca, there is no site identified because there is no
hilly region and potential stream for micro hydro generation.
From a series of sites stream exploration conducted in
lohor and N. Sembilan, the energy demand from micro hydro
generation was found not significant in the Southern region.
This is because almost all the places are electrified. Even all
the orang asli settlements in the Southern region have
electricity supply except for Kg. London in Kenaboi region,
lelebu. All these places are accessible by road. For examples,
in Bekok, orang asli settlements such as Kg. Sri Tembayan,
Kg. Kudong, Kg. Tamok and Kg. Vlu Selai have good road
accessibility because these areas are the main route to the
south gateway of Taman Negara Endau Rompin. In N.
Sembilan, the orang asli villages have good road accessibility
because of the rubber plantation activities. Still, micro hydro
generation may serve best as alternative energy sources in the
future especially for agricultural and plantation sector. This
was realized during the site stream exploration, where most of
the agricultural areas and plantations such as oil palm and
rubber plantations were located at the foothill of the hilly
regions and most of the identified streams for micro hydro
generations were flowing through these sites. Micro hydro
generation can also be additional energy sources supporting
the current on-grid electricity supply to the orang asli villages
in Bekok and lelebu as this helps to reduce the transmission
losses. Micro hydro generation is also suitable to be integrated
with water supply system. The upper streams may be utilized
for electricity generation and then later diverted for water
supply. Such scheme was identified in Chembong sites where
Sg. Batu Hampar will be used for water supply. The
construction work for the water supply at the stream is in
progress. This stream was identified as one of the potential
streams for micro hydro generation in N. Sembilan. Details on
the site exploration in the Kenaboi Region, N. Sembilan are
described in the paper by Nathan et.al. [24].
B. Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia
In the central region, 2 micro hydro potential sites were
identified in Selangor and 26 sites identified in Pahang.

TABLE 2 IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN JOHOR

Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
Head, m Area, km2 rate, m'/s
I S g. Senderet Orang asli village of Sg. Selai, Bekok 100 6 0.20
2 Sg. Lamyang Orang ash village of Sg.Kemidak, Bekok 120 8 0.27
3 Sg. Genal Orang ash village of Sg.Kemidak, Bekok 120 2 0.07
4 Sg. Kemarat Orang asli village of Sg.Kemidak, Bekok 140 9 0.30
5 Sg. Sechawai Orang ash village of Kg.Tamok, Bekok 80 6 0.20
6 Sg. Pencharang Orang ash village of Kg. Tembayan , Bekok 100 15 0.50
7 Sg. Anak Ayer Puteh Ladang Tangkah, Sagil, Tangkak 200 3 0.07
8 Sg. Ayer Panas Mt.Ledang rekreasi park , Tangkak 100 6 0.14
9 Sg. Sagil Sagil, Tangkak 100 3 0.07
10 Sg. Legeh Ladang Kebun Bahru, Kebun Bahru, Tangkak 200 2 0.05
II Sg. Ulu Jementah Kg.Peng Jongkang, Jementah, Tangkak 100 9 0.21
12 Sg. Ayer Hitam Besar Mt.Pulai waterfall, Pekan Nenas, Skudai 130 10 0.40

TABLE 3 IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN NEGERI SEMBILAN

Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
head, m Area, km2 rate, m '/s
I Sg. Temalai Orang Asli village of Kg. Gelang, Jelebu 100 5 0.07
2 Sg. Kering Orang Asli village of Kg. London,J elebu 200 7 0.10
3 Sg. Gemansir Jerarn Toi waterfall, Jelebu 100 5 0.D7
4 Sg. Papan Felcra Ulu Jelebu, K.Klawang 100 4 0.06
5 Sg. Jelebu Felcra Ulu Jelebu, K. Klawang 140 8 0.11
6 Sg. Jenarn Felcra Ulu Jelebu, K.Klawang 100 2 0.03
7 Sg. Luat Orang Asli village of Kg.Langkap, Tg.Ipoh 100 4 0.07
8 Sg. Bendol Kg. Ulu bendul, Terachi 80 3 0.05
9 Sg. Berlubang Kg. Bendul, Terachi 120 4 0.07
10 Sg. Ayer Sejok Kg. Solok Paku, Terachi 160 3 0.05
II Sg. Sikai Kg. Bukit, Seri Meranti 180 3 0.05
12 Sg. Jumbang Kg. Jumbang, Seri Meranti 100 4 0.07
13 Sg. Mungkal Kg. Mungkal, Gadong, Kota 100 4 0.09
14 Sg. Kendong Kg. Ulu Kendong, Kendong, Gadong, Kota 130 2 0.04
15 Sg. Batu Hampar Kg. Empat Batu, Chembong 80 8 0.18
16 Sg. Pedas Kg. Ulu Pedas, Pedas 80 3 0.D7
17 Sg. Ulu Nuri Kg. Betong, Tampin 200 2 0.04
 From the map studies, the hilly region in Selangor was
found only along the west side of Titiwangsa range covering
Gombak, Ulu Langat, and Ampang. Since most of these places
are well developed including the orang asIi settlements near
Ulu Langat and Gombak, it was found that there is no
significant need for micro hydro generation. However, 2 sites
are suitable for alternative off grid connections supply. The
sites were Gabai waterfall in Vlu Langat and Taman Rimba
Templer in Gombak. These places are famous tourist
attraction and the basic facilities are supported with electricity
supplied by TNB. Since both sites have good terrain
characteristics, micro hydro scheme of high heads with very
low flow are possible to be developed here for electricity
generation. There will be no environmental effect on the
waterfall as micro hydro if installed, will be of high head
scheme, thus only small portion of the waterfall water will be
diverted for power generation. The tourist can still enjoy the
greenery and waterfall and utilize the eco-friendly power
generation. The tourism department of Malaysia may have
good opportunity to utilize this freely available green energy
and save electricity cost in the long run. The identified sites in
Selangor are shown in Table 4.
In Pahang, 13 sites identified were along the East of
Titiwangsa range covering Bentong, Kuala Lipis, and
Cameron Highland. 2 sites were identified suitable for micro
hydro generation along Tahan range covering 2 sites in
Temerloh and I site at the tip of East Coast range covering
Kuantan. There were also 8 sites identified in Tioman Island.
Table 5 shows the identified sites in Pahang.
The sites near the East of Titiwangsa range were near the
orang asli settlements which are far inside the jungle and only
accessible by helicopter or jungle trekking. Data provided by
Department of Orang Asli Affairs of Malaysia (JHEOA),
shows that the areas occupied by the orang asli and some of
the nearby villages do not have proper electricity supply.
With availability of high heads and streams flowing all year
round near the villages, micro hydro generation could be their
best option for off grid electric generation in a sustainable
way.
The 2 sites identified in Temerloh may be suitable for
electricity supply to orang asli village of Kg. Mentuh and the
elephant training centre of Kuala Gandah. From the map study
conducted on Kg. Damak and Kg. Penderas, these 2 sites were
located far inside the jungle but still with motor-able track
accessibility.
In Tioman Island, there were 8 sites identified to have
micro hydro potential. Currently, the island is supported by
diesel generators which are rather expensive and practicing
unsafe diesel delivery method. There is a mini hydro power
plant of Sg. Mentawak but was not in operation due to
technical problem [25]. This stream is also suitable for micro
hydro generation. The existing plant may need to be re-sized
for micro hydro generation which will greatly reduce the
installation cost. All the sites were feasible for micro hydro
generation because the island have good terrain characteristics
with Mount Kajang and Seperuk and plenty of streams
flowing all round year through these hilly places.
At the tip of east coast range, I site was identified near the
famous waterfall of Jerangkang. The waterfall has very high
head and small amount of the rivers flow, capable of providing
micro hydro generation for alternative off grid generation for
the recreation park.

TABLE 4: IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN SELANGOR.

Available Catchment Annual
No. Stream Name Site Location l
head, m Area, km2 Flowrate, m /s
1 Sg. Gabai Gabai waterfall 80 9 0.28
2 Sg. Chul Tinggi Taman Rimba Templer 200 6 0.18

TABLE 5' IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN PAHANG

Available Catchment Annual
No. Stream Name Site Location l
head, m Area, km2 Flowrate, m /s
1 Sg.Tampik Kg.Ceringing Hulu, landa Baik 110 2 0.11
2 Sg. Sum Sum Kg. Sum Sum, landa Baik 160 1 0.05
3 Sg. Leba Orang Asli village of Kg. Sg. Leba 180 5 0.13
6 Sg. Galung Orang asli Kg. Mentuh, lenderak 80 4 0.1
7 Sg. Rangit Pusat latihan Gajah Kuala Gandah 120 5 0.l3
8 Sg. lerangkang 1erangkang waterfall 240 8 0.25
9 Sg. Sempar Orang ash Kg.Titum, Hulu lelai 100 6 0.28
10 Sg. Senuh Orang ash Kg. Kuala Besuk, Hulu lelai 80 3 0.14
11. Sg. Betau Orang ash Kg.Cerung, Hulu lelai 120 6 0.28
12 Sg. Sinderut Orang ash Kg.Sinderut, Hulu lelai 240 8 0.32
l3 Sg. Rungak Orang ash Kg.Shean, Hulu lelai 140 6 0.28
14 Sg. Air Besar Kg.Tekek, Tioman island 260 3 0.126
15 Sg. Lalang Kg.Lalang, Tioman island 160 4 0.17
16. Sg. Paya Kg.Paya, Tioman island 160 2 0.08
17. Sg. Nipah and Sg. Seriah Tg.Nipah, Tioman island 120 7 0.29
18. Sg. Kelihng Kg.Juara, Tioman island 120 4 0.17
19. Sg. Mentawak Kg.Juara, Tioman island 220 5 0.21
20. Sg. Asah Kg. Asah, Tioman island 120 3 0.l3
21. Sg. Raya Kg.Mukut, Tioman island 160 6 0.25
22. Sg. Terisu Pos Terisu, Orang asli settlement 80 10 0.43
23. Sg. Menlock Kg.Teji,Pos Telanuk,Ringlet 200 II 0.64
24. Sg. Bertik Kg.Rening, Ringlet 80 5 0.29
25. Sg. Cai Kg.Renglas,Pos Telanuk, Ringlet 100 7 0.41
26. Sg. Kelow Pos Mensun, Ringlet 120 7 0.41

TABLE 6 IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN KEDAH

Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
head, m Area, km2 rate, m3/s
1. Sg.Tawar Besar Kg. Tawau Besar 100 10 0.202
2. Sg. Pegong Kg. S.Limau 100 9 0.25
3. Sg. Ayer Langkat Durian Perangin 100 3 0.12
4. Sg. Perangin Teluk Burau 140 4 0.16
5. Sg.Temurun Teluk Tok Manap 60 2 0.08

TABLE 7 IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN PERAK

Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
head,m Area, km2 rate, m3/s
l. Sg. Bekut Kg.Baharu Kinjang 220 5 0.23
2. Sg. Kinchan Kg.Baharu Kinjang 120 8 0.38
3. Sg. Kinjang Kg.Kinjang 240 12 0.56
4. Sg. Ijok Kg.Kinjang 100 7 0.33
5. Sg. Mut Kg.Keding 80 18 0.6
6. Sg. Bersih Pos Bersih (Orang asli settlement) 80 18 0.6
7. Sg. Kerok Pos Jerenang (Orang ash settlement) 200 6 0.2
8. Sg. Behrang Kg.Tengah 200 5 0.17
9. Sg. Perah Kg.Tengah 120 7 0.23
10. Sg. Palapalam Kg.Semai(orang ash settlement) 130 5 0.24
11 Sg. Lengkok Kg.Semai(orang ash settlement) 80 15 0.7
12 Sg. Batu Sepuloh Kg.Batu Sepuloh(orang asli settlement) 100 9 0.42
13 Sg. Ayer Busok Ladang orang ash 160 15 0.7
14. Sg. Bot Kg.Bot Edit,Tapah 80 11 0.52
15. Sg. Gedong Pos Bekau,Gedong,Bidor 100 10 0.46
16 Sg. Chahr Kg.Sedor,Pos Sehm,Simpang Pulai 100 4 0.12
17 Sg. Sehm Pos Sehm,Simpang Pulai 120 6 0.18
18. Sg. Kampar KgJantong,Pos Atap,Kampar. 100 10 0.65
19. Sg.Ulu Kampar Pos Atap,Kampar 80 9 0.58
20 Sg. Ayer !tam Kg.Ayer ltam,Batu Kurau 120 17 1.2
21 Sg. Teras Kg.Ulu Teras,Selama 140 12 0.85
22. Sg. Tebing Tinggi Kg. Kehan Gunong,Selama 100 8 0.56
23. Sg. Lata Puteh Kg.Kelian Gunong,Selama 200 8 0.56
24. Sg. Perwor Pos Perwor 60 33 0.58
25. Sg.Penduk Kg.Pendeg,S.Siput(orang ash settlement) 140 12 0.21
26. Sg. Kernam Kg.Kernam(orang ash settlement) 120 3 0.05
27. Sg. Hidup KgDawai(orang ash settlement) 100 7 0.12
28. Sg. Mu Orang asli settlement along Sg.Mu 60 59 1.0
29. Sg. Gebul Pusat Latihan pertanian,Manong 200 8 0.16
30. Sg. Jehung KgJehung Baharu.Manong 120 12 0.24
3l. Sg. Serai Kg.Kelik,Sg.Siput 100 30 0.53
32 SgDindap Pos piah 120 9 0.26
33 Sg.Luat Kg.Talong 100 20 0.27
34 SgDang Lang Kg. Dang Lang Ulu 100 8 0.1

Table 8 Identified Micro Hydropower Potential Sites in Kelantan

Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
head, m Area, km2 rate, m3/s
1. Sg.Bertak Pos Gob, Bertam, (orang ash settlement) 100 4 0.28
2. Sg.Chegeruk Pos Belatim, Bertam, (orang ash settlement) 200 5 OJ
3. Sg. Toy Kg.K.Layang, Bertam, (orang ash settlement) 100 6 0.37
4. Sg.Balar Kg.K Balar, Bertam, (orang asli settlement) 60 I 0.05
5. Sg.Nya Katok Batu Mines 80 3 0.19
6. Sg.Serawok Pos Brook, Nenggiri, (orang ash settlement) 100 3 0.16
 7. Sg.Setog Fort Ber, (orang ash settlement)
8. Sg.Arik Kg.K.Telur, (orang ash settlement)
9. Sg.Perges Kg.Perges,Bertam, (orang ash settlement)
10 Sg.Talong Fort Hau,Bertam, (orang asli settlement)
C. Northern Region ofPeninsular Malaysia
In the northern region, 5 sites were identified in Kedah, 34
sites in Perak 10 sites in Kelantan and 3 sites in Terengganu.
There was no site in P. Pinang and Perlis suitable for micro
hydro generation because of less suitable terrain
characteristics. Moreover, almost all the areas were well
developed with electricity and there is little or no necessity for
generating electricity from micro hydro scheme.
In Kedah, 1 site in Baling, 2 sites in Langkawi island and
1 site in Sik were predicted to have micro hydro capability.
The sites have high heads and are easily accessible. Table 6
shows the identified sites in Kedah.
Out of 34 sites in Perak, 30 sites were identified along the
west of Titiwangsa range covering Chendriang, Tanjung
Malim, Tapah, Gopeng, Kampar, Kuala Kangsar and
Lenggong. Another, 4 sites were identified along Bintang
range covering Larut. Table 7 shows the identified sites in
Perak.
From the reconnaissance studies carried out, all these sites
near the Titiwangsa range were located near the orang asli
settlements of Pos Bersih, Pos Jerenang, Pos Bekau, Pos Atap,
Pos Piah, Pos Perwor, Pos Yom, Pos Legap and Fort Ber.
Although all the sites are far inside the jungle, they are
accessible by motor-able track via 4 wheel drive. From the
map studies and hydrology studies, these sites are suitable for
micro hydro generation because of the good terrain
characteristics and availability of perennial streams within the
orang asli settlements. All the sites identified have high heads
i.e. almost 100m except for Pos Perwor and Fort Ber.
Although Pos Perwor and Fort Ber have medium heads of
about 60m, the bigger streams of Sg. Perwor and Sg. Mu
maybe able to compensate for the lower heads in providing
adequate available power, but of course with additional
installation cost compared to high head schemes. Since most
of the sites identified are located far inside the jungle,
probably there is no electricity supply from the grid, thus
electricity generation from micro hydro schemes would be a
realistic hope for the orang asli settlements to improve their
quality of life.
Two sites in Chendriang of Sg. Bekut and Sg. Kinchan
may serve as alternative electricity sources for the mining
TABLE 9 IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN TERENGGANU
No. Stream Name Site Location
l. Sg.Peng Kg.Bogil
2. Sg.Tadau Kg.Bogil
3. Sg.Bangan Kg.Pasir Raja
60 7 0.27
80 2 0.11
100 7 0.44
100 2 0.13
activities there. 4 sites in Tapah located along Tapah-Cameron
highland road and these sites are suitable for alternative
electricity generation for the orang asli settlements. The sites
in Gopeng, Lenggong, Tanjung Malim, and Kuala Kangsar
may serve as alternative generation for the nearby villages.
These sites were considered because of the good terrain
characteristics in providing high head with reliable water
source from the streams.
As for hilly region of Bintang range, the 4 sites in Larut
area may serve as alternative off grid generation in the future
for the nearby villages. Good terrain characteristics,
availability of perennial streams and easy accessibility made
the sites worth considering for micro hydro schemes in the
future.
In Kelantan, 10 sites are suitable for micro hydro
generation along East Titiwangsa range covering Gua
Musang. Table 8 shows the identified sites. The 9 sites are
suitable for providing electricity to orang asli settlement of
Pos Gob, Pos Belatim, Pos Brook, Fort Ber, and Fort Hau.
These settlements are located far inside the jungle and only
accessible by jungle trekking or helicopter. From the map
studies conducted, the hilly region in these areas referred to as
Mount Chamah, Samoh Hill, Perahat Hill, Batu Papan Hill,
Serawok Hill, Sebor Hill, and Perawas Hill were found to
have good terrain characteristics and good catchment areas.
These sites have high heads and year round streams near the
orang asli settlements. These three factors made micro hydro
schemes feasible. The micro hydro schemes may improve the
quality of live for the orang asli settlements significantly.
The site of Sg. Nya was found to be an option for
alternative off grid connection to the Katok Batu mine mining
company. Since the site is near Gua Musang town, it provides
easy accessibility and equipment transportation, thus will
greatly reduce the installation cost of a micro hydro scheme
In Terengganu, 2 sites were identified in Besut and 1 site
in Dungun. Table 9 shows the identified sites in Terengganu.
All these 3 sites were found along East of Titiwangsa range.
From the map studies, these sites are accessible with motor
able track. With high head and large catchment area, these
sites promise good and economical development of micro
hydro scheme.
Available Catchment Annual Flow
head, m Area, km2 rate, m'/s
100 5 0. 26
100 2 0.11
100 19 1.04
 TABLE 10' IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN SABAH.
Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
head,m Area,km2 rate,m3/s
1. Sg. Labang Kg. Labang 140 7 0.22
2. Sg. Pangaraan Kg.Pangaraan 100 l3 0.41
3. Sg.Pohon Satu Kg.Pohon Satu 100 43 1.35
4. Sg.Bamban Kg.Bamban 140 l3 0.41
5. Sg. Matang Long Pasia 80 31 0.97
6. Sg.Logan Kg.Maligan 100 9 0.28
7. Sg.Lalang Kg.Lalang 100 2 0.06
8. Sg.Nilumuyuh Kg. Nilumuyuh 100 5 0.16
9. Sg.Autok Kg.Autok 100 6 0.19
10. Sg. Maruntian Kg.Masugi 100 3 0.02
II. Sg.Masugi I Kg.Masugi 200 6 0.04
12. Sg.Masugi Kg.Katuan 140 3 0.02
13. Sg.Kabibi Kg.Lipasu,Kundasang 120 7 0.11
14. Sg. Matopang Kg.Miruru 160 5 0.08
15. Sg.Kapuakan Kg.Manggis 180 14 0.22
16. Sg.Langanan Kg.Poring, 200 4 0.06
17. Sg.Tuaran Kg.Ratau Penilau 100 12 0.19
18 Sg.Susui Kg.Susui,Tongod 120 II 0.17

TABLE 11' IDENTIFIED MICRO HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL SITES IN SARAWAK.

Available Catchment Annual Flow
No. Stream Name Site Location
head, m Area, km2 rate, m3 /s
I. Sg.Semapuh Kg.Sebako Ulu,Lundu 80 7 0.37
2. Sg.Ulu Pasir Kg.Ulu Paris,Lundu 100 6 0.32
3. Sg.Ulu Sebako Kg.Sebako Ulu,Lundu 200 7 0.37
4. Sg.Ulu Jangkar KgJantan,Lundu 200 7 0.37
5. Sg.8anga Long Banga,Marudi 160 6 0.28
6. Sg.Long Puak Long Puak.Marudi 100 6 0.28
7. Sg.Long Salt Long Salt,Marudi 100 2 0.09
8. Sg.Tik Long Pa Tik,Marudi 100 5 0.23
9. Sg.Beruang Long beruang,Marudi 100 3 0.14
10 Sg.Mare Long Julan,Marudi 140 14 0.65
II Sg.Lio Matoh Sg.Lio Matoh,Marudi 160 6 0.28
12. Sg.Mabong Rumah Baran 200 5 0.23
l3. Sg.Bangan Long Lidam,Belaga 60 9 0.42
14. Sg.Long Malim Long Malim,Belaga 80 5 0.23
15. Sg.Long Malim I Long Malim,Belaga 100 3 0.14
16. Sg.Long Telinggan Kg. Lom, Teliagan,Lawas 200 4 0.19
17. Sg.Punang Trusan Kg. Punang,Lawas 200 3 0.14
18. Sg.Silou Long Sukang.Lawas 100 24 1.12
19. Sg.8erayong Punang Berayong,Lawas 80 3 0.14
20. Sg.Saman Kg. Putih,Lawas 100 5 0.23
2I. Sg.Tugo Long Tuyo,Lawas 100 II 0.51
22. Sg.Maragong Kg.Longuban 120 5 0.23

D. Sabah systems are to be installed. This factor had further reduced

micro hydro potential in Sabah. Still,within the foothill of the
In Sabah, the hilly regions were found only at inner part of
ranges above, 18 sites were identified in Sabah. Table 10
Sabah. Due to this topography characteristic the most
shows the identified sites in Sabah.
populated part of Sabah are located at low areas toward the
coast. However there are some settlements found near the
mediu size streams which may has low head micro hydro E. Sarawak in E ast Malaysia
potentIal and worth for further site survey. In Sarawak, there are a lot of native people settlements
found far inside jungle with very limited accessibility.
Effort of identifying high head micro hydro potential in
Helicopter, rivers and logging road are the only access to these
Sabah were then concentrated on foothill of the criss-cross
villages. From the map studies, it was found that most of these
ranges referring to Crocker, Maitland, Witti, and Brassey
villages located along the swamp area, river bank and lowland
range. From the topography studies of this hilly regions, most
area having elevation below 600m surrounded by secondary
of the streams were found flowing in between two steep
forest. Unfortunately, with these topography characteristic, the
valleys, resulting in possible difficult diversion if micro hydro
micro hydro potential for high head scheme was found not
suitable. Although there were plenty source of water flowing
from stream nearby the native settlements, it was only found
suitable for low head and large flow micro hydro scheme. This
type of scheme was not in the scope of the present study and
therefore was not considered.
However, there are some settlements found lies at foothill
of a mountain or hill more than 600m elevation having
sufficient flow of water and elevation for high head and low
flow micro hydro scheme. Considering for high head scheme,
22 sites were identified suitable for micro hydro generation.
The identified sites were along the Kelingkang, Kapuas
Hulu, Hose, Iran, and Tama Abu range covering Kuching,
Miri, Kampit and Limbang. Table 1 1 shows the identified
sites in Sarawak.
IV. CONCLUSION
As a conclusion, from the reconnaissance studies, a total of
149 sites having micro hydro potential were identified in
Malaysia. The sites were identified based on terrain
characteristics and accessibility. Only streams with high heads
i.e. above 50 m were considered in this study. However, the
energy demand for micro hydro was found not significant in
most part of Malaysia as most of these regions are well
electrified. Still, micro hydro generation may serve as
alternative off-grid electricity in future for most sites amid
rising electricity cost.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science
Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia for funding
this research. (Science Fund Project No.: 03-02-03-SF0035).
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