Latest news with #SarawakWaterSdnBhd
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Water disruption expected in Kuching areas from Aug 13-14 for pipeline repairs
Photo for illustration purposes only. KUCHING (Aug 11): Consumers in several areas here are expected to experience low water pressure or a temporary water supply disruption from 9pm on Aug 13 to 8am on to Aug 14 due to pipeline repair works along Jalan Matang-Batu Kawa. The affected areas are Jalan Matang (Kubah Ria to Mile 9), Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sungai Tengah, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin, Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Muara Tebas, Petra Jaya and surrounding JBALB areas. In a statement today, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) Southern Region Office said a 750mm diameter Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pumping main along Jalan Matang–Batu Kawa, near Emart Moyan, experienced its first-ever burst on Aug 6. The incident affected the treated water supply to areas including Batu Kawa, Moyan, Jalan Batu Kawa-Malihah, Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, Demak Laut, JBALB Semariang and surrounding areas. SWSB Southern Region Office said its team responded promptly to isolate the leak, preventing further damage to the roadway, underground utilities and infrastructure. Repair work was successfully completed on Aug 7, ahead of the initially scheduled timeline. Following the repairs, immediate flushing was carried out to restore clean water supply to affected areas including Batu Kawa, Moyan, Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya and surrounding areas. 'Unscheduled repair works on the 1100mm diameter MSCL pumping main, which were temporarily halted at 3.30am on Aug 6 due to dewatering challenges, site conditions and technical constraints, are set to resume once all preparatory steps are completed. 'The pipeline was dislocated, with welding completed on approximately three-quarters of its circumference. Persistent leakage at the bottom section requires full rectification,' explained SWSB Southern Region Office. To minimise delays, SWSB Southern Region Office has proactively fabricated the necessary fittings locally and is addressing the issues on-site. These two pumping mains are supplying directly to the Bukit Siol reservoir. Reservoir levels at Bukit Siol, Datu Muda, Pending, and Mile 9 3/4 are being built up to satisfactory levels to prevent widespread water pressure issues during the repair process. SWSB Southern Region Office said water tankers will be mobilised to the affected areas and advised consumers to store sufficient water before the scheduled repair window. It assured consumers that efforts are being made to minimise disruptions and restore a stable water supply, adding: 'We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period.' lead Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) Southern Region Office
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Chong seeks update on RM247 mln water pipe replacement amid Batu Kawa, Moyan supply woes
Chong says residents in Batu Kawa and Moyan areas have recently experienced frequent water supply interruptions. KUCHING (Aug 9): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for an update on the progress of the old water pipe replacement project in the Batu Kawah constituency, which was previously reported to cost hundreds of millions of ringgit. The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman highlighted that residents in Batu Kawa and Moyan areas have recently experienced frequent water supply interruptions. 'According to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, the interruptions were caused by a burst main pipe, which has been attributed to high water pressure. The pipe in question was already due for replacement,' he said in a statement. Chong, who is also Padungan assemblyman, pointed out that during a State Legislative Assembly sitting in May last year, it was revealed that RM247 million had been allocated for the replacement of old water pipes in Sarawak for 2024 alone. Over the full five-year duration of the statewide replacement project, a total of RM1.085 billion was approved. 'With a burst pipe causing such a severe water supply interruption, it raises the question of why, despite the substantial allocation, the water pipe in Moyan had not been replaced,' said Chong. He questioned whether the Moyan pipe was included in the RM247 million allocation and asked for details of the specific projects undertaken under this funding. 'What areas were covered under the 2024 allocation? How many kilometres of pipes were replaced last year? For the current year, how much has been allocated, how much has been spent so far, and how many kilometres of old pipes have been replaced?' During a site visit on Friday, Chong also expressed concern over the lack of proper flushing carried out by Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd after the repair works, saying the flushing only began after his assistant, Sim Kiat Liang, made a request. 'Flushing is a standard operating procedure after all pipe repairs. Without it, household taps will run murky, undrinkable water,' he said. Chong added that his assistant had to monitor the flushing process in different areas of Batu Kawa and Moyan for more than two hours before the water cleared. 'With the corporatisation of the Kuching Water Board into the government, the public expects more efficiency, transparency, and accountability,' he remarked. Batu Kawa Chong Chieng Jen water pipe upgrade
Borneo Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Activist, NGOs: New Sarawak Water board lacks ethnic, religious diversity
Local activist Peter John Jaban and several non-govermental organisations described the development as troubling and out of step with Sarawak's multiracial identity. – File photo MIRI (June 30): The recent appointment of a new board of directors at Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd has drawn concern due to the purported lack of ethnic and religious diversity. Local activist Peter John Jaban and several non-govermental organisations described the development as troubling and out of step with Sarawak's multiracial identity. According to them, while the company's mandate in managing one of the state's most vital public resources remains unchanged, the composition of the newly appointed board has sparked widespread concern among the public, particularly on social media. 'The makeup of the new board raises serious questions about inclusivity and representation. It appears to be dominated by individuals from one race and one religion, with no representation from the Chinese community or other non-Muslim groups. 'In a state as diverse as Sarawak, this is not only disappointing, it is unacceptable,' they said in a statement. They emphasised that their statement was not intended to be racially provocative or to challenge the qualifications of those appointed. However, they pointed out that the current composition sends an unfortunate and troubling message. 'It implies, falsely, that there are no educated, experienced or capable Chinese or non-Muslim Sarawakians who are trusted or qualified to serve in such leadership roles within state-linked companies. That is a deeply unjust suggestion,' they said. They added that Sarawak has long been seen as a model of racial and religious harmony, and this spirit must also be reflected in the composition of leadership in public institutions. They highlighted that when a government-linked company, especially one that manages essential public resources, is dominated by one group, it risks eroding public trust and creating perceptions of bias, exclusion, or political favoritism. 'We urge the state government and all relevant authorities to reassess the current board structure of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and to take concrete steps to restore balance, diversity and inclusiveness. Appointments must reflect not just competence, but also the diversity of the people.' diversity lead Peter John Jaban Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiang issues strong warning to housing developers over abandoned projects
Tiang (eighth right) is seen with representatives from relevant agencies during the inspection of the abandoned housing project at Jalan Sibiyu, Bintulu. – Photo by Abang Ismail Abang Su'ud. BINTULU (May 18): Housing developers who fail to fulfil their responsibilities will face stringent and indefinite actions, including fines, blacklisting, and forfeiture of deposits, warned Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. During his visit to the abandoned housing project at Lot 6256 and Lot 6258, Block 32 Kemena Land District, and Lot 1713 at Jalan Sibiyu yesterday, Tiang expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay of the project. 'This project was paralysed due to land encroachment issues, which are now under legal proceedings. However, that does not excuse the developer from abandoning their duties,' said Tiang. He noted that most units had already been sold, leaving many buyers burdened with housing loans for homes that are incomplete and without basic utilities. 'Out of 65 units, about 10 occupants have moved into their respective lots, despite having no electricity or clean water supply. Some are still relying on water from construction sources, which is not advisable,' he told reporters after the visit, accompanied by representatives from Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA). Tiang said his ministry, along with BDA, will issue letters of support to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd for the provision of temporary water supply to residents who had opted to move in. 'We understand why they moved in. They've paid, the houses are physically complete, and they need shelter. But without the Occupation Permit (OP), it's still an issue. We are working on the legal steps needed to address this,' he said. Regarding electricity, Tiang acknowledged the complexity of the issue, adding that discussions with SEB were ongoing to find a viable solution for affected buyers. Tiang emphasised that developers who abandon projects and fail to respond to directives from the ministry would face strict enforcement under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance. 'We will direct them to resume work. If they fail to comply, we will blacklist the company, forfeit their deposits, and take action against the individual in charge. They too can be blacklisted,' he stated firmly. Tiang added that the ministry was also in the process of officially declaring several other housing projects throughout Sarawak as 'abandoned', a move that would help buyers negotiate more favourable terms with banks to ease their financial commitments. He said the ministry's task force on sick projects continues conducting site visits across Sarawak to identify stalled developments and ensure timely interventions. 'Our message to all housing developers is clear: fulfil your obligations or face the consequences. We take the plight of homebuyers seriously and will not hesitate to act,' Tiang said. Tiang and his team also visited another housing development site, which consists of phase one of a low-cost housing development project. He said the present delay in its completion was due to theft of electrical wiring in the houses, which they are trying to rectify. The developer has promised to proceed with the OP application with BDA once the issue is resolved. 'We expect the outcome within two to three months, they will cross the finish line,' he said. abandoned housing project lead Michael Tiang
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
