BANGKOK: Sarawak is accelerating the development of its state-wide Water Grid and off-grid systems to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said 85 per cent of the state’s population now has access to treated water, with rural coverage showing steady progress.
“Access to water supply in rural communities has increased from 61.9 per cent in 2018 to 71 per cent, reflecting our ongoing efforts to ensure that even remote areas benefit from safe and reliable water services,” he said.
He said this in his keynote address at the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDEC) 2025 held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, here today (Dec 9).
He noted that Sarawak’s geography, with communities spread across vast and rugged terrain and nearly 40 per cent of the population living in rural areas, had long complicated efforts to develop and maintain reliable water systems.
“In line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Sarawak has embraced innovative and practical solutions to accelerate our journey toward full water supply coverage and expanded renewable energy access, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
According to him, Sarawak would develop an extensive main Water Grid extending from the south to the north of the state, complemented by the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) to serve remote communities that were not accessible by Water Grid infrastructure.
“Under this water grid system, we will lay about 2,800 kilometres of pipeline and construct or upgrade 20 anchor water treatment plants.
“This integrated network will significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of Sarawak’s water supply system, thereby safeguarding long-term water security for all communities,” he said.
He noted that to date, SAWAS has benefitted about 2,600 households at 79 villages and longhouses in remote areas.
“In the next phase, SAWAS is planned to extend coverage to an estimated 1,300 villages and longhouses in remote areas,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that these initiatives showed how Sarawak was using both large-scale grid infrastructure and decentralised systems to ensure that even the most remote communities could share the benefits of reliable water supply.
“We have undertaken transformative initiatives to strengthen water management across our vast and diverse landscape.
“Through the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid, we are improving reliability and connectivity across the state.
“This plan integrates urban and rural water systems, ensuring that clean and safe water flows to even the most remote communities,” he said.
