BANGKOK, 9 December 2025 – The Sarawak Government has set an ambitious target to achieve nationwide water supply coverage by 2030, under the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, announced that 85 percent of Sarawak’s population currently has access to water supply, with notable progress in rural areas.
Access for rural communities has risen from 61.9 percent in 2018 to 71 percent in 2025, reflecting the state’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable water services for all.
Speaking at the plenary session “Water: Sarawak’s Strong and Sustainable Future” during the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025 (WDCE 2025) at the Ratu Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, Abang Johari outlined the state’s long-term water strategy.
He explained that the Main Water Grid will be developed from south to north Sarawak, supported by the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme to serve remote communities not connected to the grid.
The plan includes 2,800 kilometres of pipelines and the construction and maintenance of 20 large water treatment plants, forming an integrated chain to enhance reliability and sustainability.
“This integrated chain will significantly enhance the reliability and sustainability of Sarawak’s water supply system, and ensure long-term water supply for all citizens,” he said.
To date, SAWAS has benefited 2,600 households in 79 villages and longhouses. In its next phase, coverage will expand to an estimated 1,300 villages and longhouses, further strengthening rural access.
The Premier also highlighted the adoption of digital tools, including smart meters, pipeline monitoring and GIS mapping, to improve efficiency and reduce losses. These technologies, he said, are vital in maximising output and reducing energy consumption.
In 2024, the Sarawak Government approved USD263.4 million (RM1.1 billion) for a comprehensive pipeline replacement programme.
Over five years, the initiative will repair and replace 2,700 kilometres of old pipelines, improving water quality and reducing non-revenue water (NRW).
Abang Johari stressed that the Master Plan will integrate urban and rural water systems, ensuring clean and safe water for all Sarawakians. The initiative is central to Sarawak’s broader vision of resilience, sustainability and inclusive development.
The session was attended by Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, IWA Executive Director Dr Kala Vairavamoorthy, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, and other dignitaries.
