By Ashley Sim and Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, April 28: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has approved 46 projects in the Sarawak water sector, including 33 extension projects and 13 new projects totalling RM6.01 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), emphasised that a substantial allocation of RM298 million has been approved for implementation this year (RP4, 2024).
“These approved projects include flood protection and coastal flooding, coastal erosion, estuary conservation, Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) plan studies, the development of sewage treatment plants, sludge treatment plants, sewerage system development, and water treatment plant upgrades,” Fadillah said during his speech at the national-level ‘Water For Peace’ World Water Day Celebration ceremony held today at the Kuching Waterfront.
The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, went on to say that the Federal government is confident that once the multi-scope project is completed, it will be able to overcome the issue of water disasters, reduce the risk of coastal erosion, improve the delivery of water supply and sewerage, and have a positive impact on the people of Sarawak.
“The Federal government is always concerned and vigilant in ensuring sustainability in the implementation of government projects to ensure maximum impact on the people of Sarawak.
“Comprehensive and continuous monitoring is the main key to balanced national development as desired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim through the idea of MADANI Malaysia,” he added.
The minister further emphasised that this year’s World Water Day Celebration, hosted by Sarawak, aligns perfectly with the theme of celebrating ethnic and cultural diversity in the region as a key factor for local stability and prosperity.
“The State’s rich revenue, particularly from the water resources, plays a crucial role in fostering peace and harmony within the Sarawak community,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, according to a press handout, the 2024 World Water Day (HAS) celebration aims to renew the focus on the importance and benefits of water management for peace by improving effective cooperation and avoiding water-related disputes, in line with this year’s aspirational theme, ‘Water for Peace’.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Sri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications (Telecommunications) Datuk Liwan Lagang; and Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. — DayakDaily
