KUCHING: A total of RM5.3 billion has been sourced under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and alternative funding initiatives to implement 347 water supply projects across Sarawak.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said RM1.3 billion comes from the 13MP allocation while RM4 billion is sourced through alternative funding.
“To date, 289 projects (83 per cent) of the total water supply projects, have been completed while the remaining projects are at various stages of implementation.
“For 2026 alone, RM597 million has been allocated to carry out water supply connection projects under the 13MP and alternative funding programmes,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 18).
He revealed that Sarawak’s current water demand stands at 2,300 million litres per day (MLD), with demand projected to increase to 3,500 MLD by 2030 due to domestic, commercial and industrial needs.
“In Sarawak, the average domestic water usage is 266 litres per person per day, equivalent to about 31,920 litres per household monthly.
“To ensure long-term water security, the Sarawak government is actively implementing the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid system, which has already shown positive results.
“Rural water supply coverage has increased from 71 per cent last year to 71.9 per cent currently, while urban water coverage remains at 99 per cent.
“Overall statewide water coverage has improved from 85.6 per cent to 86.1 per cent,” he added.
