SIBU: Since its commissioning in May last year, the Sg. Sadit Water Treatment Plant (Acute Water Treatment System) has significantly improved long-standing water supply issues affecting a large part of the town’s west bank, leading to a noticeable enhancement in residents’ living conditions.
Prior to the plant’s operation, residents on the west bank had long faced problems of low water pressure and even intermittent water disruptions.
To cope with the unstable supply, according to Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman, Lau Kor Jie, almost every household had to store water daily—not only collecting rainwater but also filling buckets as a precaution against sudden outages.
He said even routine activities like showering were inconvenient, as water heaters often fluctuated between hot and cold due to inconsistent pressure.
The situation, he added, became more severe during weekends and public holidays when water demand increased. Accessing water during the day was difficult, and even basic cooking required additional time and effort.
For those involved in agriculture, livestock farming, and vegetable cultivation, the unreliable water supply directly affected their livelihoods, he said, adding some shipyard operators at the area were also long troubled by the issue.
Lau recently attended a Labour Day family gathering organised by the branch’s Youth Wing, where several residents from Sibu’s west bank—including Lau Hui Kuok, Tie Pik Ling, Tai Siew Huong, Kong Chung Ing, and Lee Toh Mieng—shared their experiences of the significant improvements in water supply.
They unanimously stated that since the Sg. Sadit Water Treatment Plant became operational, the long-standing water supply issues that had affected their daily lives have been greatly alleviated.
“In the past, even when we turned the tap to the maximum, the water flow was still very weak. Now, with just a slight turn, the water flow is already strong and sufficient,” they said, describing the stark contrast based on their daily experiences.
They added that there is no longer a need to store water daily, nor worry about sudden disruptions or low pressure. Daily life has become more convenient and stable, and they can now use water with confidence.
Residents also expressed their gratitude, noting that the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Water Board (Central Region) had actively implemented the necessary projects and, through community leaders, engaged directly with rural communities to understand their needs and effectively resolve the issues, bringing real benefits to the people.
At the same time, the success of the Sg. Sadit Water Treatment Plant serves as an important reference for improving water supply in other areas.
Lau also pointed out that the construction of a new water treatment plant in the Rantau Panjang area has recently commenced, reflecting the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to addressing the basic water needs of rural communities and advancing related infrastructure development.
He noted that residents in Rantau Panjang, particularly those living in longhouses, had similarly faced prolonged issues of low water pressure and insufficient supply, which caused considerable inconvenience in their daily lives.
With the new plant now underway, it is expected to significantly enhance the reliability of water supply in the area, ensuring residents have access to a more dependable water source.
Lau further revealed that as early as May last year, during the commissioning of the Sg. Sadit Water Treatment Plant, his team had submitted a memorandum to Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Nawari, highlighting the water supply issues in Rantau Panjang and had since continued to follow up on the matter.
With the success seen in Sg. Sadit, the team is now more confident in securing similar improvements for Rantau Panjang.
“Our team had conducted multiple site visits, engaging directly with residents while maintaining close communication and coordination with the Sarawak Water Board (Central Region) to push for solutions.
“Such water supply projects not only enhance infrastructure but also reflect the government’s commitment and determination to continuously improve the quality of life in rural areas,” added Lau, who is also SUPP Youth chief.
