KAPIT – The Sarawak Government has approved a RM1.96 billion allocation to upgrade water supply facilities across the Kapit Division, in a move aimed at expanding coverage and ensuring reliable access to clean water for local communities.
Announcing the initiative on Thursday, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the Federal Government has also committed an additional RM300 million to support the project.
“This is to improve water supply access for the whole of Kapit,” he stated during a press conference following the State Development Coordination Committee Meeting (SDCCM).
The meeting brought together several ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, and the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), all of which presented progress updates on state-funded projects in the division.
In addition to water supply improvements, the Premier highlighted the state’s commitment to road infrastructure.
A total of RM122 million has been allocated for the Merirai road project, which will enhance connectivity between Baleh, the hydroelectric dam, and surrounding longhouses and settlements.
Abang Zohari further revealed that both URDA and the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) have secured a second round of funding worth RM1.5 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
These funds will be channelled into ongoing and new projects designed to stimulate socio-economic growth and raise household incomes in the region.
He emphasised that the combined investments in water supply, road networks, and development projects reflect the government’s broader strategy to improve living standards and create opportunities for rural communities.
The initiatives are expected to address long-standing infrastructure gaps while supporting Sarawak’s ambition to strengthen its position as a high-income region.
The press conference was attended by several senior leaders, including Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, and Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
Also, present were Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, deputy ministers, state assembly members, and department heads.
The RM1.96 billion water supply upgrade, alongside complementary infrastructure projects, is expected to transform Kapit into a more connected and sustainable division, ensuring that rural communities benefit from improved services and economic opportunities.
