30-07-2025
Julaihi: Sarawak to press on with master plan for 100 pct water coverage by 2030
Julaihi shows water processed by the Daro Acute System Project. Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad is at second right.
DARO (July 30): Sarawak will press on with its ambitious Water Supply Master Plan to ensure 100 per cent water coverage across the state by 2030, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi today.
The Minister for Utility and Telecommunication said the master plan, completed in 2021 and coordinated by the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), lays the foundation for a long-term solution to water supply challenges, particularly in rural areas.
'The Water Supply Master Plan outlines Sarawak's water development up to 2070, with three strategic thrusts – water demand management, treatment and distribution, and the quality and adequacy of both raw and treated water,' he said at the launch of the Daro Acute System project in Mukah.
The plan includes the creation of an integrated water grid system linking all major treatment plants across Sarawak, while off-grid solutions such as the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System (Sawas) will serve remote communities.
Julaihi said the government has allocated RM4.6 billion under Alternative Funding and the 12th Malaysia Plan to implement 406 water projects statewide.
As of now, 292 projects have been completed, 77 are in pre-contract stages, and the remainder are in various phases of implementation.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) through an RM1.1 billion pipe replacement programme covering 2,742km across Sarawak.
In Mukah, RM10.4 million has been approved for 11 pipe replacement projects spanning 29.9km from 2024 to 2025, he said.
'The Premier of Sarawak has shown strong commitment to improving water supply, especially for rural areas,' Julaihi stressed, adding that he personally monitors project progress on the ground to ensure timely completion.
The Daro Acute System project serves as a short-term solution to enhance local water supply until the full grid system is operational.
Julaihi also urged the public to report vandalism of utility assets, warning that such acts cause not only financial losses but also disrupt the daily lives of residents.
'With continuous efforts and the support of all stakeholders, we can realize Sarawak's vision of a modern, efficient, and sustainable water supply system,' he said. Julaihi Narawi lead Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan
