SIBU: The Sarawak government has given an assurance that moves to merge the three main water boards in the state into one single entity will be more beneficial to all employees.
State Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the merger of the Kuching Water Board (LAK), Sibu Water Board (LAS) and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (previously known as Northern Region Water Board - Lau) was carried out according to an approach specially designed according to the Sarawak model.
"This merger process is in the final stage and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg is expected to announce the name of the single entity and launch it in June," he said during the LAS Aidilfitri and annual get-together here on Friday (April 25) night.
Julaihi also gave an assurance that employees affected by the process would receive better deals, including pension schemes, more attractive salaries and EPF contributions.
"Insyallah, in the long run, this move will provide better benefits to all of you. So, if anyone is still concerned, don't be because the government always has your welfare at heart and knows what is best for everyone," he said.
Also present at the event were LAS general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah @ Itin Langit and Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Jafri Lias.
In a related development, Julaihi said the ongoing upgrading work at the Salim Water Treatment Plant (LRA) will increase its capacity from 150 million litres (MLD) to 300 MLD, making it the largest single water plant upgrade project in Sarawak to date.
"This upgrade is important because the current demand for clean water supply in Sibu has reached 200 MLD.
"With this increased capacity, coupled with the contribution of the Bukit Lima LRA (45 MLD) and Sungai Sadid LRA (4 MLD), the water supply reserve margin in Sibu can be increased to 30%," he said. - Bernama
