Balui

Balui refers to a river in Sarawak, Malaysia, and is a major tributary of the Rajang River. The river rises in the interior highlands of central Sarawak and generally flows southeast through forested lowlands before joining the Rajang in the upper reaches of the river system. As part of the Rajang River basin, the Balui contributes to one of Borneo’s most extensive freshwater networks.

The Balui basin supports a range of ecosystems and has historically been home to indigenous communities, including groups such as Kenyah and Kayan along its banks. The river and its surroundings have also faced development pressures, including logging and infrastructure projects, which have affected land use, biodiversity, and access to traditional livelihoods.

A notable feature along the Balui is the Bakun Hydroelectric Project, a major dam on the river that created a substantial reservoir and plays a significant role in Sarawak’s electricity generation. The project has brought economic benefits but has also prompted social and environmental debate, including the resettlement of communities and changes to riverine and forested ecosystems.

Today, the Balui River remains important for regional transport, local livelihoods, and biodiversity. Conservation and sustainable management of the riverine environment are ongoing concerns in balancing development with the needs of Indigenous communities and the broader ecology of Sarawak’s interior.