Sarawak's rural water supply coverage now at 70.5%
KUCHING: Water supply coverage in Sarawak's rural areas has increased to 70.5 per cent, up from 60.9 per cent in 2018, according to state Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.
He said that in urban areas, the coverage rate has reached 99 per cent, bringing the overall water supply coverage in Sarawak to 85.4 per cent to date.
'My ministry is actively developing an integrated water supply system across Sarawak, connecting the Southern, Central, and Northern regions,' he said during a winding-up session for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
He said that in the southern region, which covers the Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong divisions, the water supply grid system involves the construction and upgrading of nine main water treatment plants, along with the installation of approximately 1,081 kilometres (km) of grid pipelines.
'So far, 311 km of pipelines have been completed, while the remaining 770 km are either under construction or in the planning stages to fully connect the southern region to the central region,' he said.
He said that in the central region, covering the divisions of Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Kapit, work is ongoing to construct and upgrade 11 main water treatment plants, alongside the installation of 1,143 km of water grid pipelines.
'So far, 125 km of pipelines have been completed in the central region, while the remaining 1,018 km are currently under construction or scheduled for implementation to connect this area to the northern region,' he said, adding that the Limbang and Lawas divisions will be included in the project once the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) is completed.
For the water supply grid system in the northern region (Bintulu, Miri and Limbang divisions), Julaihi said it involves the construction and upgrading of 12 main water treatment plants and the installation of an estimated 569 km of water grid pipelines.
'To date, 23 km of grid pipelines have been completed in the northern region, while another 546 km are under construction or planned for implementation. Once the entire grid system is completed, Sarawak's water supply coverage will be more comprehensive and resilient, ensuring long-term sustainability,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
JPJ: Sabah, Sarawak drivers can renew road tax at self-service kiosks from June 6 — if vehicle registered in 2020 or later
PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM or road tax) renewals for individual private vehicles can be carried out at Road Transport Department (JPJ) kiosks in Sabah and Sarawak starting tomorrow. JPJ, in a statement today, said the renewal service will be available at 41 kiosks; 21 in Sabah and 20 in Sarawak. This service, however, applies only to private vehicles registered from 2020 onwards. 'For individual private vehicles registered before 2020, owners or their representatives must go to the JPJ counters for renewal,' it said. In addition, renewals can also be done via the MyJPJ app, mySIKAP JPJ portal, JPJ mobile counters, and JPJ strategic partners. Vehicle owners are also advised to ensure their motor insurance coverage is valid and active before renewing their road tax at JPJ kiosks, as the system will automatically verify insurance details during the transaction. 'This initiative is part of JPJ's ongoing efforts to enhance service efficiency and provide greater convenience to the public by digitalising its services. 'Through the use of self-service kiosks, users can carry out road tax renewals independently and quickly without needing to queue at the counter,' the statement said. At the same time, JPJ reiterated its commitment to expanding access to digital services, in line with the government's aspirations for a fully digital public service transformation and more efficient service delivery. — Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Johor Port invests RM72.3 mil in new cranes to enhance customer service, operational efficiency
JOHOR Port Berhad (Johor Port), a member of MMC Group, has signed a ceremony for the procurement of four Level Luffing cranes to be installed at its Conventional Terminal. The signing ceremony, held on June 4 in Johor Bahru, was formalised by Johor Port Berhad CEO Md Derick Basir and Overseas Sales of Sany Marine Heavy Industry Co Ltd GM Tony Tang. Valued at RM72.3 million, the cranes with their improved lifting performance, increased reach and enhanced durability, are aimed at improving Berth productivity, reducing vessel turnaround time, and delivering a more seamless and efficient cargo-handling experience. 'At Johor Port, everything we do begins and ends with our customers in mind. This investment in new Level Luffing cranes is a clear demonstration of our commitment to meet the growing expectations of our diverse customer base. 'We are focused on enhancing productivity, increasing Operational efficiency and reinforcing our position as the Port of choice in the Southern region,' Md Derick said in a statement. As a Multipurpose Port capable of handling Container, Bulk, Break Bulk and Liquid cargo, Johor Port continues to implement strategic Capital Expenditure initiatives to expand its capabilities and infrastructure. The procurement of the Level Luffing cranes is part of a broader RM1 billion Capital Expenditure Enhancement Plan to modernise Johor Port's facilities and support future growth. Key elements of this five-year Plan include: A new Terminal Operating System (TOS) with integrated CCTV surveillance system to streamline operations across the port; Acquisition of container quay cranes (QCs), rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), container reach stackers (CRS) and terminal tractors to enhance the capacity and performance of the container terminal; Replacement of a new conveyor and Hopper Conveyor system to improve bulk cargo handling; New cranes to increase productivity at the conventional terminal; Development of a new liquid jetty to support the handling of liquid bulk cargo and rehabilitation of bulk and break bulk wharves; and Construction of a new Custom Export Examination Area building and rehabilitation of existing roads. Johor Port serves as a vital Hinterland Port, primarily catering to the needs of its local importers and exporters rather than focusing on transshipment activities. This strategic focus allows Johor Port to provide tailored services that directly support the regional economy and industrial activities in Johor and beyond. Known for its expertise in handling dry bulk and conventional cargo, Johor Port is one of the largest discharging points for rice and cocoa in Malaysia and is among the biggest terminals in the country for fertilizer and cement. Johor Port is recognised as the world's single largest palm oil terminal and boasts a total Liquid Terminal capacity of 20 million metric tonnes. 'Our Port plays a vital role in facilitating trade and supporting industries across the region. These enhancements will enable us to better serve existing customers and attract new ones by offering improved service levels, faster cargo throughput and a modern, integrated port ecosystem,' Md Derick said. With these initiatives, Johor Port is strengthening its foundation for long-term growth and reinforcing its position as a key Maritime Gateway in Southeast Asia. — TMR
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
GRS supreme council to hold meeting on potential partners, strategic goals for Sabah election
TUARAN, June 5 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Supreme Council will convene a meeting soon to determine the coalition's strategic direction, including decisions on potential partners for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the meeting is expected to take place most likely after Aidiladha celebrations. 'The meeting will cover many critical issues as the state election is approaching. We will discuss not only who our partners will be but also the distribution of seats, candidate selection to ensure winnability, campaign strategies, and efforts to strengthen party machinery across all constituencies.' Hajiji said this to reporters after presenting sacrificial cattle donations at the Rumpun Bajau Samah Cultural Centre in Kampung Lok Batik today. The remarks came in response to Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's statement on Tuesday that Sabah Umno will only consider cooperation with GRS after the state election. Commenting further, the Sabah Chief Minister said Bung Moktar's statement was merely Umno Sabah's stance. 'We in GRS have not made any decisions yet. We will discuss and decide our election strategy, including which parties will be our partners, during the upcoming Supreme Council meeting,' he added. — Bernama
