Sarawak allocates RM1.083 bln to overhaul statewide pipe system

The Sarawak government has committed to replacing and upgrading a total of 2,743 kilometres of ageing pipes across the state

Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said RM1.083 billion has been allocated for the replacement and upgrading project, which will be implemented over a five-year period.

“This will be implemented over five years, and it is funded entirely by the Sarawak government. For this year alone, we have been allocated RM247 million out of the RM1.083 billion.

“This demonstrates the seriousness of the Sarawak government in implementing the replacement and upgrading of our statewide pipe system.

“However, this is not an overnight solution. As we have a long-term master plan in place, and we are implementing a grid system to address the challenges,” Julaihi said.

He said this in his speech during the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Excellent Service Award at a hotel here last night (Sept 20).

Julaihi noted that many of the state’s pipes are 30 to 40 years old and prone to leaks.

“Some leaks are due to ageing infrastructure, while others occur when third parties accidentally damage pipes during on-site work. While we understand these challenges, the state government is focused on solving the water problems in Sarawak,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of patience and cooperation from the public, noting that scheduled shutdowns are sometimes necessary for maintenance.

“Leaks can happen at any time, without warning. These unscheduled events require urgent attention and shutdowns, and we ask the public to understand the work being carried out by the ministry and its agencies,” he said.

On the award ceremony, Julaihi recognised the recipients of the Excellent Service Award, commending their dedication.

“Ten officers were honoured with the Excellent Service Award for their work in 2022, while 87 others were recognised for achieving excellent performance with an LNPT score of 85 percent and above.

“I hope that this excellent performance can be further improved for the coming years, as the public is always evaluating the quality of our work through the quality of service delivery by public servants. Therefore, we need to set standards and KPIs in our efforts to meet the expectations of the people,” he said.