By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak is allocating more than RM1 billion in 2027 to strengthen water supply infrastructure and sustain electricity access, with water coverage standing at 86.1 per cent statewide and rural electricity coverage reaching 99.3 per cent, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Of the total, RM892 million is allocated for water supply infrastructure, comprising RM183 million for the Sarawak Water Supply Grid, RM255 million for the water pipeline replacement programme under Alternative Funding, and RM454 million for water supply facilities, including treatment plant expansions throughout the State.
“The allocations are aimed at strengthening water supply infrastructure across Sarawak, including through the expansion of treatment facilities and the replacement of pipelines,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill (2027), 2026, or Sarawak Budget 2027, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
For rural electricity, RM50 million is allocated under Alternative Funding to continue ongoing Rural Electrification Scheme projects.
Another RM63.5 million is set aside for the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) to replace solar batteries and extend electricity grids, supporting efforts to maintain and expand electricity access in rural communities.
The Premier added that the Budget also provides RM6 million under the Connection Charges Government Financial Assistance programme to help 3,000 low-income urban households with electricity connection costs.
The allocations form part of Sarawak’s 2027 Budget spending on essential utilities, covering infrastructure development, rural electrification and assistance for households requiring support to access electricity. —DayakDaily
