‘Better terms await staff in merger of three Sarawak water entities'
Julaihi (seated centre) with SWB staff at event where service awards are given out to staff.
THE merger of three water entities in Sarawak, which will offer better benefits to their staff, is expected to launch in June.
State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the integration process of the three entities – Kuching Water Board, Sibu Water Board (SWB) and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Laku Management Sdn Bhd) – was currently being finalised.
'An in-depth study has been conducted and based on the preliminary information; I believe you will be offered better terms.
'There will be pensions, improved salaries and I have also been informed that Employees Provident Fund (EPF) benefits will be enhanced,' he said at a recent SWB event in Sibu.
Julaihi said town hall sessions would be organised so employees would gain a clearer understanding of the merger.
'For those of you who may still feel uncertain, rest assured that we are committed to safeguarding your welfare.
'This consolidation is based on our Sarawak model, not one imported from elsewhere, because we understand that what we implement here is best suited for Sarawak,' he said.
Separately, Julaihi said a total of 30 water supply projects for SWB had been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) by Sarawak government, costing RM697mil.
He stressed that rural water supply coverage remained at 71% compared to over 90% in urban areas, bringing the overall average to 85%.
At the event, a total of 31 SWB staff members received Excellent Service awards for 2023 and 2024, while 10 others received Long Service Awards for serving 20 and 30 years respectively. — By ANDY CHUA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
30-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Selampit Bridge project set for completion by March 2026, says Mas Gading MP
Mordi says physical progress as of December 2024 stood at 1.37 per cent, consisting of preliminary site clearing work. — Photo via Facebook/Mordi Bimol KUCHING (May 30): The long-delayed Selampit Bridge project in Mas Gading is now scheduled for completion by March 3, 2026, said its MP Mordi Bimol. In a Facebook post, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said the contractor, Empayar Setia Sdn Bhd, took possession of the site on Sept 4, 2024, following the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance on Aug 21, 2024. The 18-month construction timeline is expected to culminate in the first quarter of 2026. 'Based on the latest updates, the project has officially begun and is targeted for completion by March 3, 2026,' Mordi said. According to Mordi, physical progress as of December 2024 stood at 1.37 per cent, consisting of preliminary site clearing work. The project, implemented under the Sarawak government's jurisdiction, is spearheaded by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak. He called on JKR Sarawak and the state government to ensure timely execution and to provide transparent updates to the public. 'I urge the Sarawak government and JKR to give a clear and comprehensive explanation to the public on the current status of this project,' he said. 'Any delays or uncertainty not only frustrate the people but may also undermine public confidence in implementing agencies,' he said. The Selampit Bridge project was first approved in 2017 with an estimated cost of RM27.9 million. It was originally scheduled for completion by 2022, but faced repeated delays mainly due to the State Planning Authority (SPA) rejecting the proposed site four times between 2018 and 2021. Final site approval was granted on Sept 27, 2022, after which design works commenced on Oct 6, 2022, and were completed by Oct 2023. Tender documentation was finalised in February 2024. The project was approved under the second rolling plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) in 2018, and design work commenced along with efforts to secure additional funding. In 2021, the federal government confirmed its commitment to continue the project under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). In 2022 and 2023, the new site alignment was approved, allowing the project to move forward. Under Budget 2024, RM1.675 million was allocated for the bridge component. In 2024, the project was tendered out, awarded to a contractor, and officially began construction in September. However, a related challenge remains unresolved. Mordi said the new bridge site lacks a connecting access road. A 1.8km road, estimated at RM22 million, will be proposed under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in 2026. To avoid further delays, the bridge and the access road will be implemented separately. Mordi reiterated his commitment to ensuring the project is completed without further disruptions. 'I will continue to monitor, push, and raise the people's concerns at all levels to ensure this project is completed and delivers the long-awaited benefits to the residents,' he said. mas gading Mordi Bimol selampit bridge
Borneo Post
30-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Zahid: All ‘sick projects' in Sarawak must be fully implemented under 13th M'sia Plan
Ahmad Zahid (first left) chairing a special meeting on the implementation of development projects in Sarawak with state officials at Sheraton Hotel here. – Photo by Chimon Upon. KUCHING (May 30): All delayed or problematic federal projects in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), which are categorised as 'sick projects' , must be fully implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Speaking at a press conference after chairing a two-hour special meeting with Sarawak officials at the Sheraton Hotel today, Zahid said the 403 affected projects, valued at RM21.73 billion, must proceed without delay across all five rolling plans of RMK13. 'Firstly, all allocation issues from RMK12 and even some from RMK11, have been resolved. This includes matters such as land acquisition, which the Sarawak government has agreed to expedite,' he said. 'Secondly, alignment conflicts that required adjustments in implementation have also been settled,' he said. Of the 403 projects, 178 (44.71 per cent) are still in the 'pre-implementation' phase, with 155 of these approved between 2021 and 2025. He added that 91 of the projects will be issued the Standard Specification Tender documents by the end of 2025. 'I take seriously the report that there are five delayed projects due to site issues such as permits, land acquisition, and pipeline alignment overlaps. 'Additionally, weather conditions have also contributed to project delays,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said the resolution of these problems now allows for streamlined implementation under the upcoming national development plan. He also announced that reconstruction works will begin after Gawai for 14 houses in Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri, destroyed by a landslide on Jan 29. To accelerate delivery, Ahmad Zahid said federal implementation authority will be delegated to Sarawak's state agencies instead of continuing to rely on federal departments like Felcra Berhad and GiatMARA. In terms of education development, he announced the upcoming opening of the Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) campus in Kota Samarahan, which will welcome its first batch of 200 students in September. The college is expected to expand its enrollment to 1,000 students by 2028. 'KPTM will serve as a feeder institution for Sarawak-based universities and also channel students to Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) for degree and postgraduate programmes. 'What's important is aligning courses with student interests and workforce needs, to prevent mismatches between what is offered and what is demanded in the job market,' he said. He also addressed issues affecting 21 KEMAS (Community Development Department) kindergartens and nurseries (tabika and tadika) across Sarawak, noting that some, such as in Sebuyau, have been resolved. To ensure accountability, Zahid has appointed Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang to monitor the progress of project implementation weekly. The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) remains committed to accelerating infrastructure development through programmes such as Rural Roads (JALB), Rural Water Supply (BALB), Rural Electricity Supply (BELB), and other community facilities. 'Sarawak, especially its rural areas, deserves the same development priority as any other region in Malaysia,' Zahid added. Also present were Deputy Minister of KKDW Datuk Rubiah Wang, KKDW Head Secretary Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, and Deputy State Secretary Datu Buckland Bangik. 13th Malaysia Plan ahmad zahid hamidi development education sick projects
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Borneo Post
S'wak's economy stays resilient with strong sector growth, continued investments despite global risks, says Uggah
Uggah says the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's economy remains on a strong growth path despite global uncertainties, with key sectors showing steady performance and continued investment driving development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He also said the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. 'Manufacturing output rose, driven by increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, though global market softening may affect demand later this year. 'The mining sector is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2024, bolstered by new oil and gas developments such as the Kasawari field,' he said in his Finance and New Economy ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Apart from that, he also said agriculture posted modest growth, with oil palm yields improving despite a slight drop in crude palm oil extraction rates. While construction remains one of the fastest-growing sectors at 8.7 per cent, led by infrastructure projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'Total trade grew by 2.8 per cent in 2024, with LNG and CPO exports leading the way, though crude petroleum exports declined. 'However, early 2025 trade data shows an 11.4 per cent contraction, reflecting external market risks,' he said. Meanwhile he also said Sarawak secured RM7.6 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024, while public development expenditure reached nearly RM15 billion. For 2025, the state has allocated RM10 billion for development, with RM5.9 billion from the federal government. Uggah also noted strong domestic consumption, boosted by the revised public service pay scheme and targeted assistance programmes like Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR). Thus the state, according to him, remains committed to sustaining economic momentum, though growth projections of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent in 2025 may be challenged by global headwinds. douglas uggah DUN sarawak economy
