By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 26: Sarawak is piloting a rainwater recycling system in a residential project near Santubong, where houses will be equipped with mechanisms to store rainwater for purposes such as car washing and watering plants.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to recycle water not consumed by humans, in line with Sarawak’s green and sustainable economy agenda.
“Water is life, and Sarawak is fortunate to be blessed with abundant water sources. While countries like Egypt share the Nile and Southeast Asian nations share the Mekong, Sarawak has our own rivers such as the Sarawak River, Batang Lupar, Sadong, Saribas, Rajang, Baram, Limbang and many more.
“Added to that, we also have dams and rainfall year-round due to our tropical climate. These give us three major water sources that many countries do not enjoy,” he said when officiating the launch of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Water) and the Sarawak Water mobile app at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
He stressed that the government has taken bold steps to transform and reform how water is managed in Sarawak, with sustainability as the cornerstone of its policy.
“As part of our environmental responsibility, we are already recycling plastics for road construction. The same mindset applies to water. We must ensure clean water for consumption, but also find ways to recycle and reuse water where possible,” he said.
To ensure Sarawak achieves full water coverage by 2030, Abang Johari said the effort requires technology, planning, and high investments.
“Against this background, we decided to merge the three existing water entities into a single body called the Sarawak Water to optimise and efficiently manage our water resources for both people and industries,” he said.
He also emphasised that water, along with power and manpower, is a fundamental requirement for attracting investments to Sarawak.
“Bintulu, Samalaju and Samajaya need industrial water. Data centres, for example, require significant amounts of water for cooling. If we want to be future-ready, water must be managed prudently and sustainably,” he stressed.
The Premier concluded that Sarawak Water would play a central role in securing sustainable water supply and ensuring the State is prepared for future challenges, especially in light of climate change.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, as well as Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
