Sarawak to replace aging water pipes in RM1.1 bln overhaul by 2030, says Premier

KUCHING (Oct 23): Sarawak is set to replace all its old water pipes over the next five years, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the Sarawak government has set aside an allocation of RM1.1 billion for this project, which will commence next year.

“We have to change our water pipes because a lot of them are very old and there are also some pipes that we do not know where they are located.

“By changing these pipes, we are looking to have a new piping system by 2030,” he told a press conference after officiating the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

He said the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is currently conducting a study on the pipe system.

“This is so that we can determine the location of the water pipes.

“(Utility and Telecommunication Minister) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi is studying the whole pipe system as there are some that we have records of and some that do not have data,” he said.

He also said that the new pipes would be connected to digital smart device system.

“We can have our own software to store the details of the various layers of pipes and their locations.

“These data will be stored and in the event of incidents, the system will alert us,” he said.

Earlier in his keynote address, Abang Johari said Sarawak was making significant strides in adopting smart water management systems which leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to improve efficiency and reduce water loss.

“A notable example of this innovation is the implementation of smart water meters in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian which allow for remote reading.

“By providing real-time data on water usage, these meters enable us to quickly identify and address leaks, conserve valuable water resources and reduce operational costs,” he said.

He also said that the state was also exploring new technologies in wastewater treatment to ensure that its systems are as forward-thinking as possible.

“For instance, we are in the process of developing a new centralised sewage treatment plant in Bintulu while exploring the potential of generating biogas as a renewable energy source.

“The existing Bengoh Water Supply Dam is also being explored for dual purposes i.e. as water supply, currently its main purpose, and hydropower generation as secondary purpose.

“Sarawak has also identified 12 river basins as potential sites for cascading power sources and numerous sites with suitable geographical topography for pumped hydro energy storage (PHES),” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi and his deputies Datuk Liwan Lagang and Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and BIWWEC organising chairperson Rodziah Mohamad.