KUCHING – In a proactive move to ensure uninterrupted utility services across Sarawak, a high-level meeting was convened to address critical hotspots affecting water, electricity, and telecommunications infrastructure.
The session, held on 3 April 2026, focused on mitigating issues arising from ageing assets, third-party negligence, vandalism, natural factors, and surging demand, particularly during the festive season.
The meeting was chaired by ADUN N21 Sebuyau, Julaihi Narawi, and attended by key officials, including Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications (MUT), YB Datuk Liwan Lagang and YB Datuk Ibrahim Baki, as well as Secretary of MUT, Datu Jafri Lias, and Deputy Secretary, Syed Fauzi Sahap.
Also present were Director of JBALB, Ahmad Selihin, Acting CEO of Sarawak Water, Malseni Jamal, and senior representatives from Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB)/SESCO, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and Telekom Malaysia (TM).
The discussions highlighted several pressing concerns:
- Ageing infrastructure leading to frequent damage and leaks in water and electricity networks.
- Third-party negligence and vandalism, including asset theft, which disrupts service continuity.
- Natural factors, such as adverse weather, impacting utility reliability.
- Increased demand due to rapid development and higher consumption during festive periods.
To tackle these challenges, a multi-agency approach has been adopted:
Enhanced monitoring and maintenance of critical assets to prevent failures. Stricter enforcement against vandalism and theft, with coordinated efforts between law enforcement and utility providers.
Upgrades and replacements of outdated infrastructure to meet growing demand. Public awareness campaigns to promote responsible usage and report issues promptly.
With the Aidilfitri celebrations approaching, authorities are prioritising the stability of utility services to avoid disruptions during this peak period.
The collaborative efforts aim to ensure that water, electricity, and telecommunications remain reliable, supporting both residential and commercial needs across the state.
Julaihi Narawi extended Aidilfitri greetings and reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable utility management.
“Our collective goal is to safeguard the welfare of Sarawakians by addressing these hotspots effectively. We are confident that, with the dedication of all agencies involved, we can overcome these challenges and ensure seamless services for our people,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to continuously monitor and evaluate the situation, ensuring that proactive measures are in place to handle any emerging issues.
