LONDON – Sarawak’s ongoing overhaul of its water supply infrastructure is fully aligned with international best practices, according to Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, the state’s Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications.
Speaking after attending the Water Horizons 2025 conference in London, he noted that the challenges faced by developed nations, particularly ageing water networks, mirror those Sarawak has proactively begun addressing since 2024.
The IWA-organised event, held on 24–25 September 2025, focused on transforming utilities for a resilient, net-zero future, with emphasis on digitalisation, policy reform, and long-term investment.
Julaihi highlighted that Sarawak’s phased replacement of over 2,740 kilometres of pipelines, backed by an allocation of RM1.085 billion, positions the state ahead of many global counterparts still in planning stages.
He remarked, “They are talking about the need to replace old pipelines, and we have already started since last year. This means that we are ‘on the right track’.”
The minister stressed that appreciating the value of water must extend beyond current stakeholders to include young water professionals, whose engagement is vital for future resource stewardship.
Discussions with IWA President Professor Hamanth Kasan also covered preparations for the World Water Congress & Exhibition 2028, which will be hosted in Kuching, marking the first time an ASEAN city stages the prestigious event.
Plans include utilising the expanded Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK2) as the main venue, reinforcing Sarawak’s growing role in global water governance.