KUCHING: Sarawak has intensified water supply mitigation measures, with 119 water tankers mobilised statewide as the prolonged dry spell is expected to continue into 2027 due to El Niño conditions.
The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication said the prolonged dry weather has caused water levels at several raw water sources to decline, although major water supply dams including Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin and Sika are currently recording normal levels.
It said areas under the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) that depend on small rivers are more vulnerable to declining water levels.
“Together with JBALB and Sarawak Water, we are closely monitoring raw water intakes and strengthening contingency measures, including deploying additional water tankers, maximising water storage facilities and coordinating alternative water supply arrangements where necessary,” the ministry said in a statement.
The 119 water tankers have been deployed across Sarawak through cross-divisional assistance, while additional tanker support from other agencies is being coordinated to optimise deployment to affected areas.
Centralised water collection centres have also been identified at potential hotspots, with nine centres already established in Sri Aman and another 13 locations identified in Betong.
JBALB will continue assessing conditions on the ground and establish additional collection centres where necessary.
The response is being coordinated with key agencies including the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET) and Sarawak Energy.
As part of the coordinated response, cloud seeding operations are tentatively scheduled from September 3 to 5, subject to suitable weather and atmospheric conditions, to support the replenishment of water sources.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak must also look beyond immediate mitigation measures by strengthening its long-term water security.
“We need to revisit the potential development of selected dams and strategic water storage infrastructure to increase storage capacity, diversify raw water sources and adopt the latest technologies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply to meet future demand, even during prolonged droughts,” he said.
The ministry also urged communities to use water prudently, report supply issues through local leaders and relevant agencies, and support conservation efforts, particularly in areas where water sources are under pressure.
JBALB and Sarawak Water remain committed to maintaining reliable and continuous water supply while managing available water resources throughout the prolonged dry spell.
Consumers requiring assistance may contact the JBALB Sarawak Call Centre at 082-262111 or Sarawak Water Call Centre at 082-222333 / 1-300-88-2020, with the latter number effective from Sept 1, 2026.
