WATER POWER JANITOR HONOURED

By Roy Goh

KOTA KINABALU, 2009/07/28: A 42-year- old school janitor who built a micro hydro power generator from scrap metal and second-hand car parts received the Minister's Special Award at the State Environmental Awards on Friday.

Hamid Jasmin, a self-taught electrician from deep in the interior district of Tambunan, built what the villagers call the balasut because of its wheel-like shape made out of old cement mixers and used car gear boxes.

This enables a water wheel to turn the generator at a specific speed.

For the past five years, it has provided electricity to 20 households in the rural village.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun presented the award, introduced for the first time, to Hamid.

"I was not expecting to receive an award. We were just invited to come for the dinner. I'm honoured by the recognition."

The hydro-powered generator at Kampung Libang Laut, Garas in Tambunan.

Hamid said he learned about engines while working at a workshop where he eventually repaired heavy machinery such as bulldozers.

"Researchers and companies have come from Korea and Germany to look at the project."