MIRI: Efforts to restore water supply in Miri have entered a critical phase after Sarawak Water identified a major 1,100mm transmission pipeline as the source of the leak behind the ongoing disruption affecting thousands of consumers.
The breakthrough came after technical teams completed detailed testing on the network, ruling out an earlier suspicion involving a smaller 750mm pipeline.
Sarawak Water Miri area manager Dr Geoffrey Ranggu Thomas said repair crews are now focusing entirely on the damaged section of the main pipeline.
“Tests carried out yesterday confirmed that the leak is not originating from the 750mm pipeline but from the main 1,100mm pipeline. All repair efforts are therefore concentrated on that section,” he told reporters at the repair site on Wednesday (June 10).
He said engineers are first carrying out detailed mapping of the pipeline’s alignment before repair work can proceed.
“We need to accurately identify the pipeline’s position and ensure there are no overlapping structures that could complicate the repair process or cause further damage.”
The 1,100mm pipeline is one of Miri’s key water transmission lines, supplying large parts of the city.
To mitigate the impact of the disruption, Sarawak Water has activated 24 emergency water distribution points across Miri. Twenty locations are equipped with static water tankers for affected residents, while four additional sites are open to the public in unaffected areas.
The distribution points began operating at 5pm on Wednesday and will remain open around the clock.
Residents may collect water without restriction.
“This is to ensure affected consumers can continue with their daily activities as normally as possible.”
He also urged the public to remain calm and obtain updates only through official Sarawak Water communication channels, warning that inaccurate information could create confusion and hamper response efforts.
“If there is any doubt about information being circulated, please refer to the Sarawak Water app, our official Facebook page or other official channels for the latest updates.”
