KUCHING: A two-day Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Squad Sarawak Zone programme saw site visits and the handover of water supply and flood mitigation projects.
The programme, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, reflected the government’s comprehensive approach in strengthening water supply systems, expanding the use of alternative energy, and addressing flood risks through the implementation of strategic projects at several key locations.
On April 12 (Sunday), Fadillah, who is also PETRA Minister, together with a delegation from the ministry and 29 media practitioners made a one-day trip to the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam in Lubuk Antu from here.
The delegation received a briefing from Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) including on the history of the establishment of the dam and its function to provide electricity throughout the state.
The dam has been in operation for more than 40 years, and SEB will extend its lifespan by another 30 years, demonstrating that the development is sustainable, not only in delivering green energy but also in contributing to Sarawak’s growth
Fadillah also commended SEB for its initiative to develop floating solar systems in the reservoir, which generate about 50MW in collaboration with a company from China, indicating that Sarawak is moving towards renewable energy by utilising both water and solar, forming a strong energy mix.
He announced a proposed additional allocation of RM1 million to carry out river cleaning and maintenance works in Lubok Antu.
Fadillah also witnessed the handover of contributions from SEB to three representatives of houses of worship in Lubuk Antu
On April 13, the programme began with the handover ceremony of the National Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Project (Approach 1) for Sarawak, costing RM28.8 million held at the Sungai Lumut Booster Pump Station in Semariang.
The project is a strategic government initiative aimed at reducing non-revenue water losses through improvements in measurement systems, control, and mapping of the water supply network.
By strengthening measurement and data management aspects, the project serves as a catalyst for the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to formulate more systematic and consistent action plans.
At the same time, the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) plays an important role as the regulatory body in ensuring that the NRW project achieves its intended targets, while also safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring the efficiency of the national water services system.
Also present at the event were Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Coordination of Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
The delegation then visited the Sarawak River Integrated Basin Development Project (PLSB) (Package 3), which includes the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) at Sungai Gersik and Sungai Sinjan.
The PLSB Sarawak River (Package 3) project is part of the government’s efforts to address flooding issues in the Kuching area, including works to deepen and widen Sungai Tengah and Sungai Minjap in Matang.
The project, costing RM41.96 million, commenced on May 21 in 2024, and is expected to be fully completed by October 7 in 2027. It complements the overall PLSB Sarawak River project, which has a total allocation of RM191 million.
The project comprises Package 1 (RM18.67 million), Package 2 (RM23.86 million), and Package 3 (RM41.96 million), while the remaining RM106.51 million is allocated for consultancy services, surveying works, land acquisition, and utility relocation.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 22,600 residents and protect an area of 130 hectares from flood risks, with a protection level of up to a 20-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI).
It is also anticipated to boost socio-economic activities and improve the sustainability of local communities.
The visit continued to the PETROS Darul Hana Multi-Fuel Station (MFS), which features the first integrated energy refuelling station concept of its kind in Kuching.
The delegation then proceeded to inspect the RTB Sungai Stakan project before reviewing the progress of drainage system upgrading works at Sekolah Kebangsaan Muara Tuang, Muara Tuang Park, Stakan, which is part of the scope under the PLSB Sarawak River Package 1 project.
The highlight of the visit was the handover ceremony of the completed RTB Stakan and Sibu projects, along with the implementation of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme at Masjid Darul Malihah in Kampung Bukit Berangan, Kota Samarahan.
The CSR Zakat Wakalah programme by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in Sarawak marked its initial implementation in the state, involving two mosques—Masjid Darul Malihah and Masjid Al-Abyad, Matang—with each receiving RM10,000 in contributions.
In addition, SPAN also carried out its CSR initiative for the first time by contributing water-efficient taps to two mosques, with a total value of RM2,800, as part of efforts to promote prudent water usage at the community level.
