KUCHING: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) are set to hold discussions soon to address issues related to rural water supply projects (BALB) in Sarawak and Sabah.
Deputy Prime Minister cum PETRA Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said implementation weaknesses are the primary reason why 36 water infrastructure projects in Sarawak and Sabah remain stalled.
He noted that the execution of a project involves multiple factors such as on-site conditions, contractor issues, and approval processes, stressing that all parties must collaborate to find effective solutions to ensure project completion.
“There are two ministries involved in managing water-related matters — PETRA, and KKDW if it involves rural areas.
“The issue of rural water supply falls under KKDW. However, as the minister responsible for Sabah and Sarawak affairs, I will meet with them (KKDW) to find solutions. The root causes of the problems have been identified,” he said.
He made these remarks after officiating at the closing ceremony of the B2 Class My Licence Assistance programme at Al Abyad Mosque, Matang on today.
Additionally, he said that the recognition of companies or utility agencies involved in the BALB as technical departments will be brought to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Council Meeting.
He stated that the meeting date is still being planned and will be determined based on the availability of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Sarawak and Sabah have requested for this recognition to be similar to the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) and the Public Works Department (PWD).
“Once recognised, these companies or utility agencies can directly implement small projects valued below RM50 million at the state government level,” he added.
According to the National Audit Report (LKAN) 2024 Series 2, a total of 12 water supply projects in Sarawak and 24 projects in Sabah, with a combined value of RM1.6 billion, have been delayed for up to seven years despite receiving approval between 2016 and 2018.
This delay has disrupted water supply in both states, leaving rural residents unable to access clean and treated water.
The same report also indicated that the BALB projects in Sarawak and Sabah have not met their set objectives.
