KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has committed more than RM10 billion to implement water supply projects across the state, with the aim of ensuring reliable and sustainable access to clean water for both urban and rural communities.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that out of the total, RM6 billion has been specifically earmarked for the construction of new water treatment plants.
He added that RM1.1 billion will be used to replace and upgrade old water pipelines throughout Sarawak, while RM2 billion has been allocated for the state’s ambitious water grid system. Several other initiatives, including the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme to serve rural areas, are also included under this allocation.
“If we look at the overall expenditure, it comes close to RM10 billion. Water treatment plants alone account for RM6 billion, while the replacement and upgrading of old pipelines require RM1.1 billion. Added to this is the RM2 billion water grid system and other related projects,” said Abang Zohari.
He explained that the projects are funded mainly through the state’s own resources, acknowledging that financial management remains a challenge. However, he assured that the works are progressing smoothly.
The Premier revealed that the state is targeting full completion of the pipeline system by 2030, in line with other major infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway and the Coastal Road Network.
Abang Zohari also suggested that data related to the water pipeline system should be stored in the Sarawak Data Centre. He said this would help prevent problems faced in the past, such as water disruptions caused by road construction projects due to the absence of accurate records on pipeline locations.
The press conference, held after the launch of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), was also attended by Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, as well as other ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials.
With this major investment, the Sarawak Government hopes to secure long-term water security while improving living standards across the state, especially for rural communities. — UKAS EDITION