KUCHING: At least RM10 billion is expected to be spent on providing treated water across Sarawak by 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the funds will be financed by the Sarawak government as part of its commitment to achieving full water supply coverage in the state.
Since 2018, he said, RM6 billion has been allocated to implement water supply projects, including upgrading and building new water treatment plants.
“Some RM1.1 billion has been allocated to upgrade and replace 2,740 kilometres of ageing water pipes across Sarawak, which will also help reduce non-revenue water (NRW).
“There is much that needs to be done, including upgrading and constructing new water treatment plants, replacing old pipes, and extending connections to the grid, which requires at least RM2 billion.
“Our target is for all of this to be completed by 2030, depending on the availability of funds,” he said at a press conference after launching Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is blessed with abundant water resources, including rivers, natural landscapes such as forests and mountains, and year-round rainfall.
He stressed that these natural advantages must be managed wisely.
As such, he said the establishment of Sarawak Water reflected the state government’s commitment to developing water supply for both households and economic activities.
“We also need to supply water for industries, and with these developments, complemented by revenue from energy, our future will be bright,” he said.
Sarawak Water is wholly owned by the state government through SFS Incorporated.
Effective August 1, it consolidated the Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd (LAKU) into a single entity.
The Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), meanwhile, will remain as a state government agency responsible for constructing water infrastructure, particularly for rural areas.
