SIBU – The Sarawak government has reaffirmed that safeguarding domestic water needs remains its foremost priority, as efforts continue to strengthen supply systems across the state.
Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, announced that Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd has been instructed to reassess its existing water sales agreements with external parties. The review aims to ensure that local households and businesses are not disadvantaged by prior arrangements.
“I understand that there was a previous agreement between the Sibu Water Board, now known as Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, and certain parties, but I have requested that the matter be reviewed.
Our priority remains local consumers,” he said during the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Integrity Day Celebration 2025 on Tuesday.
He explained that the reassessment would focus on both the volume and pricing of water sold, ensuring that neither compromises the needs of residents.
At the same time, he cautioned against illegal tampering with water valves, which has been identified as a cause of pressure disruptions in some neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, the long-standing water pressure issues in Sibu Jaya are showing significant improvement. The area has benefited from the replacement of main pipelines and the installation of a one-kilometre diversion pipe linked to the Kanowit Water Supply Project Phase 2, which channels water from the Salim Water Treatment Plant.
According to Dato Sri Julaihi, the RM6 million upgrade has stabilised supply in most parts of Sibu Jaya. However, he acknowledged that during peak usage, residents on the upper floors of certain flats may still experience reduced pressure.
“Our job is to ensure the supply reaches, and we have already completed the diversion pipe and replaced the main pipe in the area,” he said.
The minister added that once the Salim Water Treatment Plant expansion is completed, Sibu and its surrounding districts will enjoy a more secure water supply.
At present, the Salim facility produces 150 million litres per day, while Bukit Lima contributes 45 million litres, giving a combined output of 195 million litres daily. However, Sibu currently lacks a reserve buffer.
To address this, the state government has allocated funding to double Salim’s capacity. The expansion, now about 40 per cent complete, is expected to raise production to 300 million litres per day once finished.
In addition, the Kanowit Water Supply Project Phase 2, which is 98 per cent complete, will soon become operational. This project is designed to enhance distribution efficiency by channelling additional supply from Salim to Sibu Jaya and nearby areas.
The combined initiatives reflect Sarawak’s broader strategy to modernise its water infrastructure, ensuring that both urban and rural communities have reliable access to clean water while balancing industrial and domestic demands.
