KUCHING: The implementation of water infrastructure projects below RM50 million has been approved by the federal government for the Sarawak government.
Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Utility and Telecommunication Minister, stated that this initiative not only enables the Sarawak government to expedite the implementation of such projects but also complements its ongoing efforts to enhance water infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
“I have learned that a recent approval for the year 2025 allows projects valued below RM50 million, approved by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), to be implemented by Sarawak via the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
“Through this effort, I hope it will support the ongoing initiatives undertaken by the Sarawak Government,” he said at the closing dinner ceremony of the Sarawak Water Supply Sports (SBAS) held at Imperial Hotel on Thursday (Feb 20).
Further elaborating, he said this initiative would help address delays in project implementation by the federal government and ensure that Sarawak residents, especially those in rural areas, have access to clean and continuous water supply.
As of now, Julaihi stated that the Sarawak government has intensified efforts to extend water supply to rural areas through two key master plans, involving an allocation of RM4.6 billion.
“If we look at the funding aspect, the Sarawak government has already approved a significant allocation to implement both the Sarawak Water Master Plans and the drip water system in Sarawak.
“Under alternative financing, along with the allocations under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), we have a total of RM4.6 billion approved by the Sarawak Government, covering 407 projects.
“So far, 289 projects, equivalent to 71 per cent, have been completed, 79 projects (19.4 per cent) are in the pre-contract stage, while the remainder are in various stages of implementation,” he added.
He stated that overall the Sarawak government has successfully achieved 85 per cent coverage of clean water supply throughout the state, including rural areas.
Present at the closing ceremony were MUTS permanent secretary Datuk Jafri Lias, MUTS deputy permanent secretary Syed Fauzi, JBALB Sarawak director Ir Ts Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, Kuching Water Board (LAK) general manager Ir Rodziah Mohamad, Sibu Water Board general manager Abdul Malik, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ir Ts Daniel Punang, and other distinguished guests.
