PADAWAN: The ongoing commitment of the Sarawak Government in strengthening basic rural infrastructure continues to yield results when the Puncak Borneo Acute Water Supply System project worth RM12.6 million was successfully completed and began operation in December 2025.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the water treatment plant has a production capacity of up to six million litres per day and is currently operating at a rate of four million litres per day, thus providing additional capacity to accommodate future demand growth.

"This project benefits many villages including Kampung Gerung, Kampung Karu, Kampung Gayu, Kampung Bayur, Kampung Jambu, Kampung Sigandar, Kampung Braang Payang, Kampung Serumah, Kampung Bidak, Kampung Krian and Kampung Sira as well as schools in this area," he said during his official visit, here on Tuesday.

Implemented through the Ministry for Utility and Telecommunications (MUTS) in collaboration with the Department of Rural Water Supply (JBALB), the project is a strategic initiative to ensure a stable and quality supply of treated water that residents can enjoy, especially in highland areas and at the end of the water supply network.

He added that the successful implementation of the project proves the Sarawak Government's determination to ensure that rural people also enjoy quality basic facilities that are comparable to urban areas.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the project was a solution to the problem of low water pressure previously faced by several villages, including Kampung Jambu which had previously faced interruptions and lack of water supply.

"This is a great success for the people in the Puncak Borneo area and Mambong constituency as a whole," he said.

According to the Mambong Assemblyman, a more stable water supply facility not only improves the quality of life of the residents, but is able to support economic activities, education and community development as a whole.

Also present were MUTS Water Supply Director Ir George Lee Chun Lung and Administrative Officer in Charge of Padawan Sub-District Office Julius Scott Sapong. -UKASnews