KUCHING: The Sarawak Government, through the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), has prepared water tanker trucks on standby across the state as a proactive measure to face the possibility of a dry season and prolonged hot weather.

Its Minister, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, stated that the tankers used consist of assets belonging to the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Sarawak Water, in addition to supplementary tankers that have been rented to ensure water supply needs are met should disruptions occur.

"Therefore, we have water tanker trucks that are always ready to fulfill water supply demands, and if a drought occurs, we need to send water supplies to the affected areas.

"So far, the situation is still under control where the water supply remains sufficient," he said when met by reporters during his Aidilfitri Open House at his residence here on Sunday.

Commenting on whether there were early reports regarding water supply disruptions, Dato Sri Julaihi said that so far, no reports have been received, including during the Aidilfitri celebrations, where the state of water supply throughout Sarawak remains at a good level.

Nevertheless, his ministry will continue to monitor current developments to ensure any water supply needs can be addressed immediately if weather changes affect residents.

In the meantime, Dato Sri Julaihi informed that 93 percent of nearly 360 water supply projects worth almost RM7 billion across Sarawak have been completed or are currently being implemented.

He explained that these projects encompass the construction and upgrading of water treatment facilities, the implementation of the water supply grid system, as well as the replacement and upgrading of pipes throughout Sarawak.

According to him, out of that total amount, nearly RM5.9 billion is allocated for projects related to water treatment plants and the grid system, while another RM1.1 billion involves pipe replacement and upgrading works spanning 2,740 kilometres.

"This means only around 6 to 7 percent are still at the pre-implementation or pre-contract stage," he said.

At present, he explained, full water supply coverage has been achieved in urban areas, while rural coverage stands at 71 percent, with the overall average water supply coverage in Sarawak now around 85 to 86 percent.

Present at the open house were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Ministers of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Ibrahim Baki and Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and other dignitaries. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Ryan Lim