KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak government has allocated nearly RM5.9 billion to implement the Sarawak Water Master Plan and the Sarawak Water Grid System as part of its efforts to strengthen the state’s water supply network and achieve wider water coverage by 2030.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said both flagship initiatives are fully funded by the Sarawak government, reflecting its strong commitment to enhancing water infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
“We are currently implementing the Sarawak Water Master Plan and the Sarawak Water Grid System throughout Sarawak, and the entire allocation of almost RM5.9 billion comes from the Sarawak government,” he said to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Samarindah Elevated Water Tank Project today (June 30).
He added that the government has also set aside RM1.1 billion to replace ageing pipelines and upgrade approximately 2,740 kilometres of water pipes across the state to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW).
“The pipe replacement and upgrading programme is being carried out over five years. We are now in the second and third years of implementation, with works progressing actively on the ground by both the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Sarawak Water,” he said.
According to Julaihi, the programme is among the state’s key initiatives to improve the efficiency of water distribution while minimising water losses caused by ageing and leaking pipelines.
Beyond urban infrastructure improvements, he said the government is also prioritising remote rural communities through alternative water supply solutions such as the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System (SAWAS) and standalone systems under the Sarawak Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES).
Emphasising the state’s commitment, Julaihi said the Sarawak government remains determined to expand water supply coverage despite challenges in several areas.
“We are very serious. Under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, we are fully committed to improving water supply coverage across the state, especially in rural areas. We acknowledge there are still shortcomings in certain locations, but all planned projects are being implemented,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing implementation of the state’s water infrastructure initiatives will enable Sarawak to achieve its goal of providing a more reliable, efficient and sustainable water supply system for its people by 2030.
