KUCHING – A new state-level water authority, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, was officially launched on Tuesday in a move to unify the region’s major water supply agencies under one management structure.
The new entity will absorb the operations of the Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd, with the former two boards being formally dissolved effective August 1.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
According to the Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, the consolidation is intended to create a more effective and sustainable water management system for the state.
He stated that the initiative aims to improve organizational structure, asset management, and customer service delivery.
One agency, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), will remain operational as a government body focused specifically on developing water infrastructure in rural regions.
Julaihi assured consumers that services in areas previously served by KWB and SWB will continue without disruption.
The minister also disclosed that an estimated RM21 billion is required to achieve complete water supply coverage throughout Sarawak.
Several major projects are planned, including water supply initiatives in Lawas, Trusan, Samalaju, Beluru, and Nyabau, as well as the Landeh Water Treatment Plant.
Current water coverage rates reveal significant disparity, with urban access exceeding 99 percent, while rural coverage is approximately 71 percent.
The overall state coverage is currently at 85.6 percent. Since 2018, nearly RM6 billion has been approved for water supply projects, supplemented by an additional RM1.1 billion allocated for the replacement and upgrade of 2,740 kilometres of ageing pipelines across Sarawak over the next five years.
