KUCHING: The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) is ready to take over the implementation of several water and electricity supply projects currently under the supervision of other agencies.
According to its Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, the handover of such projects must be accompanied by sufficient financial allocations.
He explained that the matter had been discussed with his former deputy, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who now serves as the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall, and Islamic Affairs).
“I have discussed with Dr Abdul Rahman to consider handing over the implementation to JBALB, because once the project is completed, it will be handed over to us anyway,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday.
He further stressed that such handovers should not be made without financial provisions.
“If they are handed over, don’t just hand over the projects. Include the funding as well. Without it, we won’t have enough funds to complete them,” he said.
He added that handing over both the projects and the funding is crucial to ensure continuity in implementation and to deliver benefits quickly to the people, especially in rural areas that still require stable water and electricity supply.
“I believe our colleagues at JBALB and other water agencies will be more than willing to continue implementing these projects, as long as all the necessary requirements, including funding, are fulfilled,” he said.
He added that MUT’s strength lies in the close cooperation between all agencies and stakeholders to ensure Sarawak’s utility development agenda can be carried out effectively.
Also present were the Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Bhd and PETROS), Datuk Ibrahim Baki, and Dr Abdul Rahman.
