SIBU: The Sarawak government has reiterated its commitment to prioritising domestic water needs, ensuring that local consumers continue to receive sufficient and uninterrupted supply.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri.Julaihi Narawi, said he has instructed Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd to review existing water sale agreements with third parties to safeguard local supply and guarantee that residents’ needs come first.
“I was informed that there was indeed a prior agreement between the Sibu Water Board (now known as Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd) and certain parties, but I have requested that the matter be reviewed. Our priority remains with local consumers,” he said at the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Integrity Day 2025 Celebration here on Tuesday.
He said that the review is necessary to ensure that the quantity and price of water sold are reasonable and do not affect supply to residents.
At the same time, he also warned against illegal valve openings, describing them as one of the causes of low water pressure in certain areas.
Meanwhile on a related matter, Julaihi said the Sibu Jaya area is now almost fully recovered from low water pressure problems.
This he said was due to the replacement of the main pipeline and the connection of a one-kilometre diversion pipe from the Kanowit Water Supply Project Phase 2, which channels water from the Salim Water Treatment Plant.
He added the measure has successfully stabilised the water supply in the area after the RM6 million pipe replacement project was completed recently.
“Sibu Jaya is now almost back to normal, except during peak hours when usage is high or when too many residents occupy a single flat unit — in such cases, water pressure on the third and fourth floors sometimes drops, which is beyond our control.
“Our job is to ensure supply reaches the area, and we have already completed the diversion pipe and replaced the main pipes there,” he said.
He added that once the Salim Water Treatment Plant is fully completed, water supply for Sibu and surrounding areas will be more than sufficient.
According to him, the current capacity of the Salim Water Treatment Plant is 150 million litres per day, while Bukit Lima produces 45 million litres per day, bringing the total to 195 million litres per day, but Sibu currently has no water reserve.
“That’s why we are doubling the capacity of the Salim Water Treatment Plant with funding from the state government. The project is now about 40 per cent complete, and once finished, its capacity will increase to 300 million litres per day,” he said.
He also mentioned that the Kanowit Water Supply Project Phase 2, which is now 98 per cent complete, will also help channel water from the Salim Water Treatment Plant to surrounding areas, including Sibu Jaya.
Once operational, the project is expected to further improve the water distribution system in the affected areas.
