Julaihi calls for stricter penalties for damaging water assets

KUCHING (Oct 28): Those who damage main water pipes or causing leakages to Sarawak’s water assets must pay for their actions, said Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

In this regard, he said the Water Ordinance must be reassessed to review the penalties for offenders.

“It is crucial that water assets, including existing main distribution pipes, are always well-maintained and not damaged, broken, or leaking due to negligence by those working near the water assets, and due to vandalism. An appropriate amount of fine should be considered in the future,” he said in his most recent social media post.

His statement came shortly after a sub-contractor damaged a pipeline along Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, causing water interruption for almost two days

The affected areas included those near the Expressway, Jalan Kampung Tanjung Bako, Kampung Binyuk, Midway Crescent, Uni Garden, Kampung Segintin, the Sarawak Heart Centre and surrounding areas.

The water supply was restored following completion of repairs just past midnight on May 27.

Julahi said the water supply agencies such as Laku Management, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Kuching Water Board (KWB), and Sibu Water Board (SWB) are working hard to implement the Sarawak water supply master plan o provide clean water to users throughout the state.

In addition to this master plan, he mentioned that the Sarawak water grid system is being developed to ensure a more efficient and smooth supply of treated water.

To enhance management effectiveness including the efficiency of supplying treated and clean water, he said the merger of Laku, KWB, and SWB into a new entity with a new name is actively in progress and will soon become a reality.

“Water sources must be managed effectively and efficiently. Currently, there are 28 water catchment areas already gazetted, and another 38 areas have been identified for gazetting,” he added.