Sarawak’s water master plan ensures sustainable supply, says Julaihi

KUCHING (Feb 20): Sarawak has a well-structured water master plan to ensure a sustainable and uninterrupted supply across the state, said state Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

He affirmed that the Sarawak government is actively implementing water projects in line with this master plan and the state’s grid water system.

“So, if anyone asks, ‘Do you have any master plan?’ Yes, we do have a water master plan in Sarawak.

“In addition to the Sarawak water grid system, we are implementing various projects at different levels across the state,” he said.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Fourth Edition of the Sarawak Water Supply Sports (SBAS) 2025 at the Imperial Hotel tonight.

Julaihi reiterated that the master plan, alongside the grid water system, aims to connect all areas and ensure a continuous water supply.

The Sarawak government has allocated RM4.6 billion for water projects, covering 407 initiatives.

Of these, 289 projects (71 per cent) have been completed, while 79 (19.4 per cent) are still in progress.

“Currently, over 90 per cent of urban areas have access to clean water.

“However, only 40 per cent of rural populations enjoy the same access, bringing the overall coverage rate to 85 per cent.

“This means we must accelerate our efforts,” he said.

Julaihi also announced that the state has allocated significant funds to replace and upgrade 2,740 kilometres of old water pipes over the next five years.

“Currently, the government is actively implementing this replacement and upgrading projects across Sarawak.

“Last year, RM247 million was allocated for this initiative.

“However, as the implementation only began towards the end of the year, the project has been extended into this year.

“For 2024, an additional RM204 million has been approved, bringing the total budget close to RM500 million,” he said.

He also acknowledged delays in federal government-approved projects since 2016 due to procedural requirements.

“Therefore, in the future, we hope that the JBALB will be given full authority to implement projects valued at RM50 million and below.

“I have also been informed that starting in 2025, projects worth RM50 million and below, approved by the federal government through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKJW), will be implemented directly by Sarawak through JBALB,” he added.

Meanwhile, at the SBAS 2025 event, JBALB Sarawak was crowned the overall champion of the competition, which took place from Feb 17 to 20 in Kuching.

A total of 433 athletes from various water supply agencies competed in 11 sports events, including football, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.

Also present were JBALB Director Ir Ts Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications’ permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias.