The project is a multipurpose hydroelectric power and flood mitigation scheme.
The Kenyir River was first identified for hydroelectric potential in 1961 but it proved financially unviable due to low energy demand and high cost of construction.
Years later in 1972 the Malaysian government revived the study and further site investigations were proceeded.
In case of overflow during monsoon seasons there is a spillway that is ungated/free flow, with a maximum capacity of 7,000 cubic metres per second.
Water flows through four penstocks into four turbines turning four air-cooled electric generators rated at 100 megawatt each.