26-05-2025
Julaihi: Rural water supply coverage at 70.5 pct, 99 pct in urban areas
Julaihi (left) is briefed on several high-impact water supply projects in Bintulu in this file photo. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 26): Sarawak has achieved an overall water supply coverage rate of 85.4 per cent following the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
The Utility and Telecommunication Minister said the implementation of this plan has shown positive impact, with rural water supply coverage increasing from 61.9 per cent in 2018 to 70.5 per cent at present.
'Urban coverage has reached 99 per cent, which brings the overall water supply coverage in Sarawak to 85.4 per cent,' he told the august House earlier today.
In his ministerial winding-up speech, Julaihi said his ministry is actively developing a statewide water supply system that connects the southern, central and northern regions of Sarawak.
He said under the southern region, the water grid system covers the divisions of Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong.
It involves the construction and upgrading of nine major water treatment plants and the installation of approximately 1,081km of grid pipelines.
'I am pleased to report that three major water treatment plants have been successfully upgraded, namely the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant in Kuching (Plant 2, Modules 3 and 4) from 764 million litres per day (MLD) to 868 MLD; Slabi Water Treatment Plant in Serian from 60 MLD to 110 MLD; and Bayai Water Treatment Plant in Sri Aman from 33 MLD to 53 MLD.
'Meanwhile, six other water treatment plants in the Southern Region are at various stages of implementation. These include the upgrade of Batu Kitang Plant 4 (Module 7) from 868 MLD to 968 MLD; Lubau Water Treatment Plant from 30 MLD to 60 MLD; Kaki Wong Water Treatment Plant from 30 MLD to 60 MLD; a new Lundu Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 20 MLD; a new Landeh Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 200 MLD; and a new Engkilili Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 75 MLD,' he said.
As for the pipeline grid, he said 311km of pipes have been completed, while another 770km are being or will be implemented to connect the entire southern region and subsequently to the central region.
On the water grid system for central region covering the divisions of Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, and Kapit, Julaihi said it involved the construction and upgrading of 11 major water treatment plants and approximately 1,143km of grid pipelines.
'To date, three major water treatment plants in the Central Region have been completed, namely Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant in Mukah with a capacity of 30 MLD; the upgrading of Bayong Water Treatment Plant in Sarikei from 70 MLD to 100 MLD; and upgrading of Basong Water Treatment Plant in Mukah from 15 MLD to 60 MLD,' he said.
He also said that eight other water treatment plants are at various stages of implementation, namely the upgrade of Salim Water Treatment Plant in Sibu from 150 MLD to 300 MLD; Julau Water Treatment Plant from 1.6 MLD to 5 MLD; Basong Water Treatment Plant in Mukah from 60 MLD to 120 MLD; and Kapit Water Treatment Plant from 28.5 MLD to 60.5 MLD; Belaga Water Treatment Plant from 5 MLD to 15 MLD; and the construction of new water treatment plants in Julau (30 MLD), Kanowit (25 MLD), and Song (20 MLD).
As for the pipeline infrastructure in the central region, Julaihi said a stretch of 125km have been completed, while an additional 1,018km are being and will be implemented to connect this region, which will be further extended to the northern region.
'For Limbang and Lawas divisions, they will be included once the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road is completed,' he said.
On the Northern Region water grid system, he said it covers the divisions of Bintulu, Miri, and Limbang, involving the construction and upgrading of 12 main water treatment plants and approximately 569km of grid pipelines.
For pipeline infrastructure in the northern region, he said 23km have been completed, while another 546km are being and will be implemented.
'The entire water grid system, including the treatment plants, will be implemented in phases until the year 2030.
'Once the entire grid system is completed, water supply coverage in Sarawak will be more comprehensive and resilient, ensuring long-term sustainability.'
While waiting for the completion of the major water treatment plants as outlined in the Master Plan, Julaihi said the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department has implemented the Acute Water Treatment Plant initiative which aims to address critical water shortages as a short-term solution.
'To date, 13 Acute Water Treatment Plants have been commissioned, while another nine are being or will be implemented this year,' he said.
He also revealed that the Sarawak government has begun a programme to upgrade and replace old and ageing water pipes, covering 2,740km, with an allocation of RM1.1 billion to reduce the rate of non-revenue water in the state.
'As of now, for projects approved for 2024 and 2025, one project has been completed, 43 projects are at various stages of construction, and 97 projects are expected to begin in phases this year.
'The entire programme will be implemented in stages over a five-year period,' he said.
On the establishment of a single water supply entity for Sarawak, Julaihi said the merger of the three existing water supply entities in the state is now in its final phase.
He added that the launch will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg soon.
