RM2.6 Billion In Strategic Projects To Bolster Sarawak’s Water & Energy Security
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Federal Government is reinforcing its commitment to Sarawak's infrastructure through the implementation of various strategic projects valued at RM2.6 billion. These initiatives are designed to enhance supply security and the overall well-being of the people.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said that the two-day Squad PETRA Programme — which began in Batang Ai — provides a comprehensive focus on the energy and water supply sectors.
Current efforts focus on increasing the security of clean water supply, including a pumping project at Kampung Sungai Lumut to improve water pressure and ensure efficient distribution to residents.
A key component involves reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) by replacing aging pipes and upgrading distribution systems to minimise water loss.
The working visit included inspections at Kampung Gersik, Kota Sentosa, and Stakan to monitor the progress of water supply and flood mitigation projects.
A visit to the multi-fuel station — a collaboration between SEDC Energy and Petronas — highlighted Sarawak's potential in hydrogen technology. The station provides hydrogen refueling, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, and conventional fuels.
Completed in August 2024 at a cost of approximately RM10 million, the project demonstrates that hydrogen technology is feasible at its current stage, even as it moves toward full commercial viability.
Meanwhile, the RM97.2 million Flood Mitigation Scheme (RTB) in Sibu Phase 3 has been completed and handed over to the Sarawak Government. While three RTB projects in Sibu are finished, two more are in the planning stages with estimated costs exceeding RM120 million and RM469 million, respectively.
The RTB Kuching Phase 2, which includes the Samarahan area, is currently in the planning phase and will be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
“Close cooperation between the Federal and State governments is vital to ensure more efficient water resource management, thereby guaranteeing a sustainable clean water supply for the people of Sarawak,” Datuk Amar Fadillah emphasised.
Also present were the Deputy Minister for Rural and Regional Development and Member of Parliament for Samarahan Datuk Rubiah Wang, Stakan Assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim; Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, PETRA Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, PETRA Senior Divisional Secretary (Management) Dato’ Mohd Norhisham Musa, Sarawak Federal Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, Deputy Director-General (Business Sector) of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia Ir. Mohd Azmin Hussin, Director of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak Datu Ir. Ts. Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, and Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang. - UKAsnews
