KUCHING: Sarawak is planning to turn water into a new export commodity after 2030 through the use of river water purification technology, as the next step following the completion of the state water supply grid capable of providing full water coverage to the whole of Sarawak.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the state enjoys a natural advantage through its extensive network of rivers, and this resource can be harnessed using water purification technology before being exported to countries in need of water supply.

"With new technology to purify our river water systems, we will export water, and this will become a shared commitment among developing nations, which is expected to give a positive impact to the regional economy.

"Therefore, Sarawak's ambition is not only to become an energy hub, but also a water supply hub capable of driving the economy, at least within the ASEAN region. That is the future direction for Sarawak," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday.

He added that water has now become a crucial component in modern economic development, including the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, particularly for data centre cooling needs, which require simultaneous supplies of energy and water.

Speaking at a press conference, the Premier said Sarawak has an advantage due to its abundant river water resources, which can be treated using the latest technology.

He said the Sarawak Government is currently studying the potential of building a dedicated water treatment plant at one of the state's major rivers, with the Sadong, Saribas, Batang Lupar and Samarahan rivers to be assessed for their potential to produce high-quality water supply for export purposes.

On the export target, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari revealed that the government is unable to disclose the country that will become the first destination, as negotiations are still ongoing.

"I cannot reveal this for now as it is still in the negotiation process, but there is indeed an effort to make water another export commodity for Sarawak, and this will certainly generate some income for us.

"This is something new for the region," he explained.

He further added that the target volume of water supply to be exported would depend on demand in line with existing capacity, though capacity would be increased if needed in the effort to sell the water supply. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Uilson Ng