SARAWAK is building and upgrading 32 water treatment plants and laying 2,793 kilometres (km) of pipelines under its regional water grid system.
Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said nine plants have been upgraded so far, while 459km of pipelines have already been completed.
The system covers the Southern, Central and Northern regions, with works being carried out in phases and expected to continue until 2030.
He said in the southern area, which includes Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong, three treatment plants have been successfully upgraded.
They are located in Batu Kitang here, Slabi in Serian, and Bayai in Sri Aman.
He said six more projects are in progress, including Batu Kitang Plant 4, Lubau, Kaki Wong, and new plants in Lundu, Landeh and Engkilili.
“For the water supply grid pipelines in the Southern Region, 311km have been completed, while another 770km are being or will be implemented to connect to the Central Region in its entirety,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the august House today.
Julaihi said in the Central Region, which covers Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Kapit, three treatment plants have also been completed.
They are in Tanjung Manis, Bayong in Sarikei, and Basong in Mukah.
He added that eight more projects are underway, including upgrades to Salim, Julau, Kapit, Belaga and Basong.
He said new treatment plants will also be built in Julau, Kanowit and Song to meet growing water demands in the region.
“A total of 125km of pipelines have been completed in the central region, with another 1,018km being or set to be implemented to connect the entire region to the northern region.
“Limbang and Lawas will be included once the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) is completed,” he added.
Additionally, he said in the Northern Region, which includes Bintulu, Miri and Limbang, three plants have been upgraded in Nyabau, Berawan and Trusan.
He said nine more projects are set to begin in late 2025, including further upgrades and the construction of four new treatment plants.
“A total of 569km of pipelines will be built in the northern region, with 23km already completed and 546km in progress,” he said.
Julaihi assured that once the entire system is completed, it will provide reliable and sustainable water supply to all regions across Sarawak.
“The entire water supply grid system, including treatment plants, will be implemented in stages until the year 2030,” he said.
