KUCHING – A substantial financial commitment has been announced for infrastructure development throughout the state. The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has earmarked RM5.995 billion to implement 44 separate development projects in Sarawak under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
The disclosure was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof. He detailed that the portfolio consists of 11 entirely new projects, with the remaining 33 being extensions of existing initiatives.
These schemes are concentrated in several critical areas of public utility and environmental protection. The key focuses include flood mitigation, preventing coastal erosion, river conservation, and enhancing water supply and sewerage systems.
For the initial phase of implementation, known as the first Rolling Plan for 2026, PETRA has assigned RM195.6 million. This figure represents a significant increase of 53.17 percent compared to the allocation for the year 2025.
Datuk Amar Fadillah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, provided a funding breakdown during his speech at the PETRA 2025 Sarawak Media Dinner. He stated that 27 projects, valued at RM172.4 million, will be financed directly by the Federal Government.
A further 17 projects, with a combined worth of RM23.24 million, will be funded through loan mechanisms. The event was held at a leading hotel and attended by various officials and media representatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of tailoring projects to local conditions. He specifically highlighted the challenges in swampy areas and older settlements, where standard construction approaches can cause unforeseen damage.
He shared a pertinent example from his own constituency, where the ground is largely marshy. He explained that excavation work can risk destabilising older homes built on traditional mangrove wood pilings, potentially causing structures to sink or collapse.
Citing a previous incident, he revealed that a sewerage project in an old housing area necessitated an additional RM11 million in federal funds to rectify subsequent damage to properties. This experience underscores the need for careful, context-sensitive planning.
Regarding the water sector, he outlined several major loan-funded projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan. These include the Landeh Water Treatment Plant in Kuching and upgrades to the Nyabau Water Treatment Plant in Bintulu.
A state-wide initiative to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and a comprehensive programme to repair distribution pipes across Sarawak are also underway. The collective goal is to reinforce the state’s water infrastructure for public welfare and extend supply to unserved areas.
On energy policy, he affirmed that the government’s direction is aligned with the national approach. This prioritises sustainable, secure, and balanced energy development for the long term.
The dinner was also attended by Igan Member of Parliament Ahmad Johnie Zawawi and senior officials from various government departments, signalling a coordinated approach to these substantial infrastructure investments.
