By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 15: Sarawak will undertake one of its largest water infrastructure transformations by laying about 2,800 kilometres of pipeline and constructing or upgrading 21 anchor water treatment plants under the Sarawak Water Grid initiative to enhance reliability and connectivity of water supply across the region.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the integrated water network would form the backbone of the region’s long-term water security strategy by linking communities from the southern to northern regions of Sarawak.
Speaking in his keynote address entitled “Strengthening Global Collaboration for Water Security and Sustainable Development” at the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), he said the Water Grid was part of Sarawak’s broader transformation agenda to create a resilient and future-ready water ecosystem.
“This integrated network will significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of Sarawak’s water supply system, thereby safeguarding long-term water security for all communities,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak’s geographical challenges, including its vast land area and dispersed rural settlements, required significant investment, innovation and coordination to ensure equitable access to treated water.
“Currently, Sarawak’s overall water supply coverage stands at 86.1 per cent, with rural coverage at about 71.9 per cent. The State government aims to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030,” he said.
Abang Johari said the Water Grid would be complemented by the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme, which provides decentralised and off-grid water solutions for remote communities that cannot be connected to the main grid.
“Through SAWAS, technologies such as solar-powered and gravity-fed systems have already delivered clean water to about 2,600 households in 79 villages and longhouses, with another 1,300 villages and longhouses targeted in the next phase,” he shared.
He added that Sarawak was also implementing a five-year pipe replacement programme involving approximately 2,700 kilometres of ageing pipelines to improve system reliability, reduce non-revenue water and ensure more efficient water delivery.
“The transformation of our water sector is not only about infrastructure. It is about improving quality of life, strengthening economic resilience and ensuring that every community benefits from reliable and sustainable water services,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted the consolidation of three existing water supply agencies into Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd as a major institutional reform aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in water service delivery throughout the region. — DayakDaily
