KUCHING: The Sarawak government is strengthening efforts to increase the people's access to basic services through an allocation of over RM1 billion to expand the coverage of clean water and electricity supply, especially in rural areas.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the government's priority is to ensure that basic services continue to be improved comprehensively to meet the needs of the people throughout the state.

According to him, Sarawak has now achieved 86 percent overall water supply coverage with 100 percent in urban areas and 70 percent in rural areas.

"In line with the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan, the government is focusing on expanding access to areas that are difficult to reach through the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply Programme (SAWAS) initiative.

"To implement the various strategic projects, RM409 million has been allocated in 2026, including the Engkilili Regional Water Treatment Plant, Sri Aman, the upgrade of the Salim Water Treatment Plant, Sibu.

"Next is the Serian Regional Water Supply Phase II project, the upgrade of the No. 4 Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant, the Mukah Water Treatment Plant, the construction of pipes for the Darul Hana Programme and the Lundu/Sematan Regional Water Supply Plant," he said.

He said this when tabling the Supply (2026) Bill, 2025 during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) here on Monday.

The Sarawak Premier added that, in addition, RM402 million has been allocated through Alternative Funding to implement the Sarawak Water Supply Grid Program for Stressed Areas as well as the program to upgrade and replace old pipes.

He explained that the free water program which subsidizes the first RM5 of domestic water bills since 2020 will continue in 2026 with RM21 million allocated for the purpose.- UKASnews

Reporter: Muller Asen
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Muhammad Rais Sanusi & Jaed Tepus