By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 19: Approximately 300 kilometres (km) of ageing pipelines in Sarikei Division—exceeding the distance from Kuching to Sibu—will be replaced under the Sarawak Rural Water Pipe Replacement Programme.
In a TVS news report, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) director Awg Mohammad Fadillah Awg Redzuan said the initiative is part of 307 ongoing and upcoming pipe replacement projects across Sarawak, funded through an RM1.1 billion allocation.
“For JBALB, RM558 million has been approved to implement 420 projects planned and currently underway from last year until 2028. We hope this programme will help reduce non-revenue water (NRW), which remains one of JBALB’s key challenges in Sarawak.
“In Sarikei alone, most pipelines are asbestos cement (AC) pipes that have been in place for decades, some exceeding 50 years. Replacing them is crucial to enhancing water supply efficiency,” he said during a media engagement session following the officiation of JBALB Sarawak’s 2025 World Water Day celebration at a local hotel yesterday (March 18).
He noted that project timelines vary depending on the length of pipes being replaced, typically ranging from three to ten months.
“This year alone, 307 pipe replacement projects are in progress, including both ongoing and newly launched initiatives. Additional projects will follow in the coming years.
“These projects are small-scale and implemented by division, with each division handling three to five active projects at a time,” he explained.
On NRW, he highlighted that Sarawak’s rural areas report an NRW rate of 59 per cent.
“The pipe replacement initiative aims to lower NRW. Over the five-year implementation period, we expect to bring the rate down to around 30 per cent.
“Currently, Sarawak’s overall NRW rate is between 43 and 45 per cent, but rural areas experience higher losses due to aging infrastructure,” he added.
He also urged the public to assist by reporting pipe leaks to minimise water wastage.
“The media plays a vital role in this effort. If you spot a leak, send us a photo immediately so we can take swift action,” he said.
This pipe replacement initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s commitment to strengthening rural water supply infrastructure, ensuring clean and reliable water access for all, with full coverage targeted by 2030. — DayakDaily
