KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg received Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi at Sri Pertiwi, Petra Jaya, in a courtesy meeting that underscored joint efforts to strengthen rural water supply projects across the state.
The meeting centred on the official handover note of the Rural Water Supply Project (BALB) from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) to the Sarawak Government.
This step is regarded as a significant milestone in ensuring that rural and interior communities gain better access to clean water, a basic necessity tied directly to quality of life.
Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid, who arrived in Kuching on 13 April for an official working visit, has focused his agenda on infrastructure development and project coordination.
Earlier in the day, he chaired the BALB implementation coordination meeting with the Sarawak government, aimed at streamlining processes and accelerating delivery of water supply initiatives.
The deputy prime minister emphasised that the BALB project is not merely about infrastructure but about improving the lives of rural residents.
By centralising coordination through KKDW and working closely with Sarawak authorities, the government hopes to ensure smoother implementation and reduce delays in project execution.
The meeting was attended by key state leaders, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Hajah Rubiah binti Wang, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki.
Their presence highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state levels in delivering essential services.
In his remarks, Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude for the strong support from the Sarawak Government, noting that the partnership is vital for ensuring the success of the BALB initiative.
He added that the handover of the project note to the Premier symbolises a shared commitment to advancing rural development.
The Premier of Sarawak welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit, affirming that the collaboration would strengthen efforts to provide a clean water supply to rural communities.
The meeting also served as a platform to exchange views on broader development matters, reflecting the shared vision of both leaders to improve the well-being of Sarawakians.
The BALB project, under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13), involves 80 new and extension projects in 2026 with an allocation of RM141.87 million.
It is expected to significantly improve access to water supply in rural areas, marking a step forward in bridging infrastructure gaps and supporting sustainable development in Sarawak.
