Latest news with #KuchingWaterBoard
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘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
Malay Mail
26-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak to merge three main water supply entities into single body by June, says utility minister
SIBU, April 26 — The Sarawak government will officially merge the state's three main water supply entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board, and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as LAKU Management Sdn Bhd) — into a single entity by June this year. Sarawak's Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the merger aims to streamline operations, strengthen integration, and boost water management efficiency across the state, as part of Sarawak's long-term water infrastructure strategy. 'This merger excludes only the JKR Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB). The three entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board and LAKU — will be merged into one entity that will be launched by the Premier of Sarawak in June,' Julaihi said at SWB's annual dinner and Aidilfitri gathering here last night. He added that the consolidation is being guided by a Sarawak-specific model tailored to meet the state's unique needs, led by the Integrated Management Office under Puan Malseni Jamal. 'This is being done using a Sarawak-made model, a merger concept tailored specifically for the needs of Sarawak,' he said. 'We believe this merger is based on the Sarawak mould will fit us well. It must be done according to our own mould. If we bring in something from elsewhere, it might not be suitable.' he reiterated. Julaihi also highlighted the ongoing RM1.1 billion statewide project to replace 2,740km of aging water pipes over the next five years. For Sibu alone, RM338 million has been allocated for pipe upgrades, with RM170 million going to the Sibu Water Board and RM168 million for the Department of Rural Water Supply. 'With this upgrade and pipe replacement projects, we aim to resolve the long-standing water supply issues in Sibu and the surrounding areas, including Bawang Assan, Tanjung Manis, and Selangau,' he said. Julaihi also stressed that although issues such as pipe leakages cannot be solved overnight, improvements have already been felt over the past three years, particularly during peak periods such as Hari Raya. 'This shows the seriousness of the Sarawak government in solving the long-term problem of water supply,' he said. 'It is an ongoing process but once completed, we hope water issues will become history.' Julaihi also cautioned against third-party interference along water distribution routes, stressing the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid damage and service disruptions. 'If any accidental or intentional damage occurs, please do not conceal it. Inform the water agency immediately so we can act quickly and avoid public complaints. Cooperation is key to protecting consumer interests,' he said. During the event, Julaihi also presented long-service awards to SWB staff, including certificates for 20 and 30 years of service, the 2023–2024 Excellent Service Awards, and a special staff recognition award. Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Jafri Lias, SWB general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah and other dignitaries. — The Borneo Post
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Merger of S'wak water boards brings more benefits to employees, says Julaihi
SIBU: The Sarawak government has given an assurance that moves to merge the three main water boards in the state into one single entity will be more beneficial to all employees. State Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the merger of the Kuching Water Board (LAK), Sibu Water Board (LAS) and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (previously known as Northern Region Water Board - Lau) was carried out according to an approach specially designed according to the Sarawak model. "This merger process is in the final stage and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg is expected to announce the name of the single entity and launch it in June," he said during the LAS Aidilfitri and annual get-together here on Friday (April 25) night. Julaihi also gave an assurance that employees affected by the process would receive better deals, including pension schemes, more attractive salaries and EPF contributions. "Insyallah, in the long run, this move will provide better benefits to all of you. So, if anyone is still concerned, don't be because the government always has your welfare at heart and knows what is best for everyone," he said. Also present at the event were LAS general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah @ Itin Langit and Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Jafri Lias. In a related development, Julaihi said the ongoing upgrading work at the Salim Water Treatment Plant (LRA) will increase its capacity from 150 million litres (MLD) to 300 MLD, making it the largest single water plant upgrade project in Sarawak to date. "This upgrade is important because the current demand for clean water supply in Sibu has reached 200 MLD. "With this increased capacity, coupled with the contribution of the Bukit Lima LRA (45 MLD) and Sungai Sadid LRA (4 MLD), the water supply reserve margin in Sibu can be increased to 30%," he said. - Bernama
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to merge three major water entities by June to boost statewide efficiency
Julaihi delivering his speech at the function. SIBU (April 26): The Sarawak government will officially merge the state's three main water supply entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board, and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as LAKU Management Sdn Bhd) — into a single entity by June this year. Sarawak's Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the merger aims to streamline operations, strengthen integration, and boost water management efficiency across the state, as part of Sarawak's long-term water infrastructure strategy. 'This merger excludes only the JKR Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB). The three entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board and LAKU — will be merged into one entity that will be launched by the Premier of Sarawak in June,' Julaihi said at SWB's annual dinner and Aidilfitri gathering here last night. He added that the consolidation is being guided by a Sarawak-specific model tailored to meet the state's unique needs, led by the Integrated Management Office under Puan Malseni Jamal. 'This is being done using a Sarawak-made model, a merger concept tailored specifically for the needs of Sarawak,' he said. 'We believe this merger is based on the Sarawak mould will fit us well. It must be done according to our own mould. If we bring in something from elsewhere, it might not be suitable.' he reiterated. Julaihi also highlighted the ongoing RM1.1 billion statewide project to replace 2,740km of aging water pipes over the next five years. For Sibu alone, RM338 million has been allocated for pipe upgrades, with RM170 million going to the Sibu Water Board and RM168 million for the Department of Rural Water Supply. 'With this upgrade and pipe replacement projects, we aim to resolve the long-standing water supply issues in Sibu and the surrounding areas, including Bawang Assan, Tanjung Manis, and Selangau,' he said. Julaihi also stressed that although issues such as pipe leakages cannot be solved overnight, improvements have already been felt over the past three years, particularly during peak periods such as Hari Raya. 'This shows the seriousness of the Sarawak government in solving the long-term problem of water supply,' he said. 'It is an ongoing process but once completed, we hope water issues will become history.' Julaihi, flanked by Abdul Malik (right) and Jafri (left), in a group photo after presenting the SWB Special Staff Award to the recipient, Lau Tiew Leong (second left) during the annual dinner last night. Julaihi also cautioned against third-party interference along water distribution routes, stressing the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid damage and service disruptions. 'If any accidental or intentional damage occurs, please do not conceal it. Inform the water agency immediately so we can act quickly and avoid public complaints. Cooperation is key to protecting consumer interests,' he said. During the event, Julaihi also presented long-service awards to SWB staff, including certificates for 20 and 30 years of service, the 2023–2024 Excellent Service Awards, and a special staff recognition award. Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datu Jafri Lias, SWB general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah and other dignitaries. julaihi narawi merge utility companies
