KUCHING: The Sarawak Government’s commitment to strengthening the development of utilities and telecommunications is further reinforced through an allocation totalling RM9.29 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and Alternative Funding to expand strategic infrastructure development across the state.

Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said his ministry, along with all agencies under its purview, is committed to ensuring all projects are implemented efficiently and on schedule so that the people can fully benefit from the initiatives provided.

According to him, the Sarawak Government has allocated RM5.3 billion, comprising RM1.3 billion under 13MP and RM4 billion under Alternative Funding, involving a total of 347 water supply projects.

"To date, a total of 289 or 83 per cent of water supply projects have been completed, with the remainder in various stages of implementation.

"A total of RM597 million has been allocated for the year 2026 to implement ongoing water supply projects under 13MP and Alternative Funding," he said.

He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday.

Regarding the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan, he shared that the current water demand in Sarawak stands at 2,300 million litres per day (MLD), with the projected water demand by 2030 estimated to reach 3,500 MLD.

He explained that this encompasses water supply demand for the domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors.

"In Sarawak, the average water consumption for the domestic category is 266 litres per person daily, which is approximately 31,920 litres per household per month.

"Therefore, to ensure a holistic, long-term security of water supply in Sarawak, the Sarawak Government is actively executing the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan, which has already shown a positive impact.

"Water supply coverage in rural areas has shown an increase from 71 per cent last year to 71.9 per cent so far.

“In urban areas, the coverage rate stands at 99 per cent, bringing the overall average coverage in Sarawak up from 85.6 per cent last year to 86.1 per cent currently," he added.

He noted that his ministry is actively developing the water supply grid system, including water intakes, water treatment plants, pipeline installations, water storage tanks, booster pumping stations and other related components, in line with the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan.

"This water supply grid system spans across Sarawak and is being implemented in phases to connect the Southern, Central and Northern Regions,” he further explained. -UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim