THE Sarawak government has allocated RM452 million under alternative funding for next year to expand the supply of clean and treated water.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the major projects to be undertaken include the main transmission pipeline across the Batang Sadong Bridge to Simunjan, upgrading the Lubau and Bayong water treatment plants, and improving water supply to Kapit, Belaga, and Menjawah.
He added that emphasis would also be placed on Miri’s water supply development, Tinjar water supply, and the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS).
“We are giving high priority to expanding the coverage of clean and treated water supply across the state.
“Significant progress has been achieved, with overall water supply coverage reaching approximately 85.4 per cent, and rural areas achieving 70.5 per cent.
“Efforts will continue to be intensified to ensure a reliable, efficient, safe, and sustainable water supply to meet this objective,” he said.
He was tabling the second reading of the Sarawak Budget 2025 at the second meeting of the third sessions of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
To reduce on-revenue water (NRW) and enhance water supply efficiency, Abang Johari said the government is investing RM1 billion under alternative funding, of which RM204 million will be provided in 2025 for the water pipeline upgrading and replacement programme in Sarawak.
Be added that a sum of RM352 million will be allocated under the 2025 State Budget for the implementation of water supply projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).
“These projects include the Serian Water Supply, construction of the Long Lama Water Treatment Plant, and water supply systems for Suai, Julau, and Mukah, as well as upgrades to the Batu Kitang and Salim Treatment Plants,” he added.
On electricity coverage, he said RM56 million has been allocated for new and ongoing projects under the RMK-12 in 2025.
These projects include the upgrading of electricity supply in the Samarahan Division, connecting standalone villages or longhouses under the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) to the main grid where road access permits, and replacing batteries in solar systems for remote communities to sustain 24-hour electricity.
Additionally, a 33-kilovolt medium-voltage conductor will be installed from Gaat to Tunoh.
Complementing these initiatives, RM170 million has been allocated under alternative funding for 2025, with RM150 million dedicated to ongoing rural electrification projects and RM20 million reserved for the Additional and Late Applicant Fund (ALAF) initiative.
