By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 20: More than RM500,000 has been channelled to upgrade clean water systems in selected rural villages across Sarawak, with Kampung Yoh in Bintulu, where 37 households now have access to filtered groundwater, being the latest beneficiary of the Yayasan PETRONAS Clean Water Project.
Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the initiative, implemented by Yayasan Ikhlas, was in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), aimed at ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water by 2030.
“Clean water is a fundamental element of community health and well-being. I hope this initiative will bring long-term benefits, reduce the risk of diseases related to contaminated water, and contribute to the welfare of the community, especially for Kampung Yoh,” said Dr Rundi during the official handover ceremony at the Kampung Yoh community hall today.
Dr Rundi, who is also Kemena assemblyman, commended Yayasan PETRONAS for its continued commitment to empowering local communities and praised Yayasan Ikhlas for successfully implementing the project.
“I was informed that over RM500,000 has been allocated to upgrade clean water systems in selected villages.
“For instance, Kampung Lakutan in Lawas, involving 26 houses, was completed last year.
“Today, it is the turn of 37 houses in Kampung Yoh to benefit from this project. Congratulations to the selected village,” he said.
The minister further emphasised that initiatives like the clean water project demonstrate the importance of collaboration between corporations and the government in raising the standard of living.
“I would also like to encourage other corporate bodies to continue supporting such initiatives in the future.
“By contributing to community projects, we not only help those in need but also fulfill our corporate social responsibility and contribute to national development,” he added.
“Let us continue working together, because through the pooling of energy and expertise, we can bring about positive change for our communities.
“I am confident that with continued support from all parties, we can create a better and brighter future for the next generation.”
Dr Rundi later officiated the handover of the Kampung Yoh Clean Water Supply System.
Also present at the ceremony were Yayasan PETRONAS chief executive officer (CEO) Shariah Nelly Francis; Yayasan Ikhlas Board of Trustees chairman Professor Dr Zainur Rashid; Malaysia LNG Group of Companies managing director and CEO Mohamed Syazwan Abdullah @ Laga Jenggi; PETRONAS Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu; Sebauh District chief Penghulu Morshidi Tali; as well as heads of departments, community leaders, and PETRONAS personnel. — DayakDaily
