KUCHING: Sarawak is positioning water as its next strategic export commodity, with plans to harness advanced purification technology to treat river water for export after achieving statewide water supply coverage.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state’s long-term ambition is to leverage its abundant river resources to supply water to countries facing shortages, while supporting regional economic growth.
“Just as we are sharing our energy with our neighbours in Indonesia, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and also Brunei, after the completion of our state water grid that can cover the whole of Sarawak, our next move is to use technology to purify our water in our rivers and become a commodity for our export.
“We will share our water with countries that don’t have water. Water is a very significant component of industrialisation, including the AI economy. You need water to cool down your data centre,” he said.
He announced this when officiating the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2026 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (July 15).
Abang Johari noted that many countries face water constraints or share river systems that can become sources of cross-border disputes, whereas Sarawak is blessed with numerous rivers that can be developed sustainably.
“And with the new technology to purify our water system through our rivers, we will export our water. That becomes a sharing commitment between developing countries, and we hope it has an impact on the whole economy of the region.
“Therefore, it is Sarawak’s ambition, not only as a hub of energy, but as a hub of water supply to move the economy, at least for the ASEAN region. And that is where our future is,” he added.
During a press conference later, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s priority remains achieving 100 per cent water supply coverage by 2030 through the state water grid, new treatment plants, replacement of ageing pipelines, and the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System (SAWSS) for remote villages.
He also revealed the technology to purify river water is already available.
“Sarawak has many major rivers, including the Sarawak River, Sadong River, Saribas River and Samarahan River. Perhaps we can dedicate one river for a treatment plant specifically designed to produce water for export, allowing us to share our water resources with neighbouring countries that need them.
“From an Islamic perspective, allowing such resources to go unused would be considered wasteful. That is why I always tell my colleagues: don’t waste. This is a gift from God that many other places do not have,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s immediate priority remains ensuring adequate water supply for its own people.
“First, we must ensure that the people of Sarawak have sufficient water. Sarawakians come first. Once that is achieved, we are already planning the next phase,” he said.
While declining to identify the prospective export markets, he confirmed discussions are ongoing.
“I can’t disclose that at the moment because negotiations are ongoing. However, there is an effort to develop water as another export commodity for Sarawak. It will provide us with additional income.
“This is something new. In this region, it is something new,” he concluded.
