SIBU: A community dialogue session was held at Rantau Panjang Longhouse here on Sunday to engage residents in gaining a deeper understanding of long-standing water supply issues affecting the area.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch chairman, Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie led a branch delegation to the longhouse for the dialogue session together with the deputy general manager (Central Region) of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, Lau Pon Yin.
During the session, residents highlighted persistent low water pressure, which has resulted in an inconsistent supply of treated water.
In response, Kevin Lau said that water supply issues within the area have always remained a key concern, whether in his capacity as a Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) councillor or as chairman of the SUPP Bawang Assan Branch.
He noted that the team has gathered data through feedback from longhouse heads and residents, complemented by on-site visits to longhouses, schools, flats and industrial areas in Rantau Panjang to support formal reporting and follow-up actions.
Previously, according to him, water supply data and related information concerning the Rantau Panjang area had been compiled and formally submitted to the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications for further consideration.
Kevin Lau further pointed out that water shortage issues in areas such as Pasai Siong had been repeatedly raised during past mobile service programmes.
He said following multiple engagements and follow-ups with Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd last year, the water supply situation in Pasai Siong has since shown improvement.
He emphasised that the SUPP Bawang Assan Branch has consistently maintained close cooperation with the water utility company to ensure that water-related issues continue to receive attention and effective follow-up.
In addition, he noted that the Sarawak government has taken proactive measures to enhance the capacity of the Salim Water Treatment Plant, with daily production increased from 150 million litres to 300 million litres to meet rising water demand.
He said his team will continue to engage Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and relevant agencies to explore short-term measures to ease the current water supply challenges faced by the residents.
He stressed that a stable supply of treated water is an urgent and basic necessity for the residents of the Rantau Panjang Longhouse.
“I assure the residents that his team will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies to push for practical and sustainable solutions, and expressed appreciation to the residents and longhouse community for their continued understanding and cooperation,” Kevin Lau added.
