Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg —LOW BOON TAT/THE STAR
KUCHING: Sarawak’s comprehensive billion-ringgit water pipe replacement project will be implemented in phases over five years, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said RM1.1bil had been approved by the state government last year to upgrade and replace about 2,700km of ageing water pipes across the state.
“Implemented in phases over five years, the initiative will enhance the reliability of our water supply system and reduce non-revenue water (NRW), delivering more efficient and sustainable services to all communities,” he added in a keynote address at the International Water Association Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand last week.
Sarawak recorded a high NRW rate of 45.61% in 2022. NRW is treated water that is lost along the distribution system before reaching consumers.
According to Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, water loss during distribution was mainly caused by leaking pipes, water theft and non-functioning water pipes. Sarawak aims to reduce NRW to 25% by 2030.
Abang Johari said, under the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan, the state will develop an extensive main water grid extending from south to north, complemented by the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (Sawas) initiative to serve remote communities that are not currently accessible by water infrastructure.
“Under the water grid system, we will lay about 2,800km of pipeline and construct or upgrade 20 anchor water treatment plants.
“This integrated network will significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of Sarawak’s water supply system, thereby safeguarding long-term water security for all communities.
“Through the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and water grid, we are improving reliability and connectivity across the state. The plan integrates urban and rural water systems, ensuring that clean and safe water flows even to the most remote communities. We aim to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030,” he added.
Overall, 85% of Sarawak population now has access to water .
The premier said Sawas is an off-grid, decentralised initiative delivering sustainable water solutions to communities in remote rural areas through innovative designs and green energy technologies, such as solar-powered systems and gravity-feed water projects that harness renewable energy and utilise natural elevation to draw water from mountain streams.
Sawas has so far benefitted some 2,600 households in 79 villages and longhouses.
In the next phase, Sawas is planned to extend coverage to an estimated 1,300 villages and longhouses.
“In Sarawak, we are also harnessing digital tools to manage our water networks more efficiently. This include smart metering, leakage detection and mapping technology, which are now an integral part of our operations. These technologies help us to reduce losses, optimise energy use and ensure maximum value for the resources deployed,” said Abang Johari.
He said the Sarawak government had undertaken a bold water-sector reform that consolidated three existing water supply agencies (Kuching, Sibu and Northern Sarawak Water Boards) into a single entity – Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd.
Previously, there were four water supply authorities in Sarawak, with three responsible for urban areas, and the fourth, the Rural Water Supply Departrment of Sarawak, overseeing the provision of water supply to rural communities.
“This transformation strengthens and modernises Sarawak’s water-sector, making it future-ready, digitally enabled to support long-term resilience and sustainability while the Rural Water Supply Department continues to focus on delivering water services to rural communities,” he said.
Abang Johari said water is a also vital source of energy through both hydropower generation and hydrogen – a clean, emissions-free fuel.
“In response to climate change, developing hydrogen as a sustainable energy source has become increasingly importation. In collaboration with Sarawak Energy Bhd and SEDC Energy, Sarawak is actively using water to drive the transition towards renewable and sustainable energy.
“Sarawak is pioneering hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel particularly for public transport, having already commissioned South-East Asia’s first integrated hydrogen plant and refuelling station in 2019.
“The autonomous rapid transit system, now under construction, will be the region’s first hydrogen-powered public transport system, forming the backbone of the Kuching Urban Transportation System,” said Abang Johari.
