By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 22: The Sarawak government has identified five potential locations for dam development as part of efforts to strengthen the State’s raw water reserves and ensure long-term water security amid rising demand, dry weather conditions and the increasing risk of drought.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the initiative has become increasingly important as Sarawak continues to expand its water treatment plants, distribution networks and pipeline infrastructure.
He stressed that investments in water infrastructure must be supported by adequate raw water resources to meet the growing needs of communities across Sarawak.
“Given the current situation, it is imperative that we revisit the proposed water storage plans throughout Sarawak.
“We have identified five locations where dams can potentially be developed,” he said when addressing the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak’s 2025 Excellent Service Awards and 2026 Innovative and Creative Group Mini Convention Awards here last night (Aug 21), as reported by TVS.
The five sites identified are Tebia Dam, Batang Layar Dam, Ulu Mukah River Dam, Pesu River Dam and Suhu River Dam.
Julaihi said the proposed projects should be reviewed in the near future to ensure sufficient raw water sources are available to support both upgraded and newly constructed water treatment plants.
He noted that strengthening raw water storage capacity is crucial not only for meeting domestic consumption needs, but also for ensuring the State’s water supply system can accommodate growing demand through 2030.
The move is also aligned with the implementation of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, under which reliable utility services remain a key enabler of economic growth and development.
Julaihi added that discussions involving the ministry, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd have focused on securing adequate raw water resources to support future water infrastructure projects, including new treatment plants and the Sarawak Water Grid system, which is expected to be completed by 2030.
“It is important that we reassess the proposed water storage plans in the near future so we can ensure our raw water intake remains sufficient to support both upgraded and new treatment plants,” he said. — DayakDaily
