Immediate solutions vital in addressing Sibu water woes, says MP’s aide

SIBU (Jan 9): The Sarawak government needs to implement immediate measures such as setting up acute water treatment plants or booster pump stations to resolve the persistent low water pressure and supply disruptions in several areas here, particularly Kemuyang.

Irene Wong, special assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling, made this call in view of repeated complaints from Kemuyang residents to the parliamentarian’s service team, highlighting years of inconsistent water access, with some households experiencing complete cuts.

Although pipe repairs were carried out near the Ngu Chung Beng Driving Institute on Jan 6, water pressure had yet to normalise.

“Some residents reported having no water at all after 6pm for two days, following the repair works,” Wong said in a statement, noting that while Sibu continued to develop rapidly, outlying residential zones such as Kemuyang still struggled with basic water access.

She also acknowledged that the expansion of the Salim water treatment plant was underway, but its completion was only expected next year.

Wong then proposed short-term interventions similar to the acute water treatment plants in Kwong Hua Sungai Sadit, or installing booster pumps in low-pressure areas.

“While Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Central Region) sends water tankers to affected neighbourhoods, the supply remains inadequate for growing demands, causing daily inconvenience and instability for households.

“Urban development planning must be more comprehensive and equitable.

“Development authority lies with the state government and should not focus solely on city centres while neglecting suburban and rural basic needs,” she said.

Wong pointed out that with the state budget at RM12.9 billion and the federal Madani Budget 2026 allocating over RM700 million for rural water and electricity supply in East Malaysia, she urged for the funds’ usage to be ‘more balanced and strategic’.