Salim Water Treatment Plant upgrading works ahead of schedule, expect completion in June 2027, says Julaihi

SIBU (April 25): The upgrading project of the Salim Water Treatment Plant in Sibu has reached 17.96 per cent completion, ahead of the initial target of 6.45 per cent, said Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

He said the upgrade will double the plant’s capacity from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300 MLD, enabling a 30 per cent water reserve margin for Sibu and its surrounding areas once completed.

“We’ve seen steady progress since the project started in May 2024.

“This project is not only progressing smoothly but is also ahead of schedule. We expect it to be completed as planned and capable of supplying clean water to 350,000 residents in the Sibu area,” he told reporters after a working visit to the site at Muka Sauk, Sibu Water Board (SWB), Jalan Stabau today.

Julaihi said the RM291 million project, funded entirely by the Sarawak government, carries a contract value of RM269 million.

It is part of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and supports the implementation of the state’s water grid system aimed at interconnecting water treatment plants across the state.

At present, Julaihi said Sibu is served by two main plants — Salim (150 MLD) and Bukit Lima (45 MLD) — with a combined capacity of 195 MLD.

However, daily demand has already surpassed this, reaching 200 MLD, resulting in both plants operating beyond capacity.

“As a long-term solution, the Sarawak government has also approved RM1.1 billion for the replacement and upgrade of old pipes across the state, covering 2,740 km of pipelines, to be implemented over five years.

“For the Sibu Division alone, RM170 million has been allocated,” he said.

He also noted that a new water supply system at Sungai Sadit has been completed and will help boost Sibu’s water reserve margin.

“This isn’t an overnight solution. It’s a long-term plan we’re executing through the water master plan and the Sarawak water grid system,” said the Sebuyau assemblyman.

Meanwhile, SWB clarified that the total project cost of RM291.4 million includes construction, land acquisition for the raw water pipeline, site supervision, and professional fees.

Key components of the project include the Phase 2 upgrade of the raw water intake from 150 MLD to 300 MLD; construction of an 8 km new raw water pipeline using 1.4m diameter mild steel pipes; upgrading of the Salim Treatment Plant from 150 MLD to 300 MLD; modification of existing components in Salim Treatment Plant Phases 1 and 2 (sludge bridge, generator set, filters); and construction of a 4km treated water pipeline (2km with 1.6m diameter and 2km with 1.2m diameter).

“The project was awarded to contractor Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd through an open tender and granted on April 18, 2024, with a contract value of RM269,099,341.13.

“Construction works began on May 20, 2024, and are expected to be completed by June 25, 2027,” the board stated.

Upon completion, the upgraded plant will be capable of meeting the water supply needs of 350,000 residents in Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau, Maradong, and Rassau through to 2036.

Accompanying Julaihi during the site visit were the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Datu Jafri Lias; Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) director, Ir Ts Awg Mohammad Fadillah Awg Redzuan; and SWB general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah.