BY JACINTHA JOLENE & UMMI INTAN MASARRAH
KUCHING: The implementation of 80 rural water supply projects in Sarawak, worth about RM3.47 billion, has been officially handed over to the state.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the move as a “game changer”, saying it reflects stronger coordination between the federal and Sarawak governments to speed up water supply delivery in rural areas.
Effective today (Apr 14), the projects will be implemented by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) through the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), taking over from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
Of the total projects, 50 are currently under implementation, nine have been completed, 20 are in the post-implementation stage, while one has been cancelled.
“Starting today, implementation will be handed over to JBALB to expedite the provision of water supply, particularly for projects funded under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans,” he told reporters after chairing a Coordination Meeting at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar here today.
Ahmad Zahid said both levels of government are focused on solutions rather than assigning blame, adding that several rounds of discussions had been held involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, and relevant stakeholders to resolve regulatory issues that had previously posed challenges.
“We are also open to suggestions from the state government to expedite implementation without compromising regulations and legal aspects,” he said.
Elaborating further, he noted that Sarawak has its own plans to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030, with implementation by the state government currently reaching about 93 per cent.
“This is a good achievement. That is why we do not want the process to merely involve a change in the implementing party while facing the same constraints. We must find solutions,” he said.
On rising project costs, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that this remains a key challenge and will be reviewed by the National Economic Action Council before any decision is brought to the Cabinet.
He added that any decisions, including additional allocations or adjustments to project scope, will be announced at a later date.
