By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 26: The Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) is intensifying efforts to explore alternative technologies to expand access to clean water, particularly in rural and remote areas where conventional methods remain challenging.
Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi stressed that this initiative is vital as many communities in the interior still struggle to secure reliable water supply through traditional means.
He reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring every resident enjoys access to essential amenities such as clean water.
“In Sarawak, we already have adequate water supply in urban areas, but there are still remote areas that are difficult to reach. That is why we need to adopt different technologies to deliver water supply to these places, because conventional methods are no longer practical,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report.
Julaihi made the remarks while leading a Sarawak delegation on an official working visit to the Wessex Water Operations Centre, owned by YTL Corporation, in the United Kingdom recently.
He noted that Sarawak is ready to learn from successful international practices, particularly from the private sector, in order to strengthen water management.
“I think it is time for us to learn the best technologies and management methods applied by Wessex Water. I know YTL Corporation has demonstrated excellent performance in this regard,” he said.
Julaihi added that while Sarawak’s water agencies remain State-owned and funded by public resources, his ministry prioritises efficiency and innovation to safeguard the well-being of the people.
During the visit, the delegation received a briefing from representatives of the UK-based utility company on its operational performance, regulatory framework, resource management strategies, smart system technologies, and investment plans for 2025–2030.
Among the Sarawak delegation were MUT permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias, Sarawak Deputy Financial Secretary Datu Hasmawati Sapawi, MUT Water Supply Division director Ir George Lee Chun Lung, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) director Ir Ts Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd acting chief executive officer Malseni Jamal, and MUT head of Management Services Raduan Bujet. — DayakDaily
