By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 7: The Ministry of Utilities aims to form a single entity to manage all relevant agencies and departments under the ministry by 2025.
Presently, the Ministry comprises the Water Supply Divison, Electricity Supply Division and Gas Distribution Division.
Agencies under the ministry include Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Kuching Water Board, Sibu Water Board, LAKU Management Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Bhd and Sarawak Gas Distribution Sdn Bhd.
Its minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the ministry planned to develop a single water entity to regulate and improve the administration and management of all divisions and agencies and GLC under the ministry.
“One entity will make it easier to manage agencies like SEB (Sarawak Energy Bhd), as a benchmark,” said Dr Rundi to a press conference after delivery his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
“It should be regulated and come under one body, but we cannot do it now as many water boards are established like Kuching water Board, LAKU Water Board and Sibu Water Board. We are now waiting for JBALB to grow.
He predicted that this vision might be possible to achieve under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), where a water grid master plan is already in place.
Dr Rundi, who is also Kemena assemblyman, said such a development was inevitable as Sarawak water would be a prime commodity one day.
“That is why the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) is investing in hydrogen technology,” said Dr Rundi. — DayakDaily
