By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 5: Residents in Sibujaya have reported being charged for water even when supply was minimal or non-existent, raising fresh concerns over the ongoing disruptions while the Salim water treatment plant in Sibu undergoes expansion.
In a Facebook post, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and Bintulu MP Dato Seri Tiong King Sing said the issue was first raised in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) in November 2023 when he called on authorities to resolve the persistent supply problems affecting households and businesses in the area.
“Many residents have been forced to buy bottled water for cooking, while local traders have suffered from the unreliable supply,” he said.
He added that residents have increasingly questioned the progress of the plant’s expansion, which is set to double capacity from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300 MLD and is expected to be completed by June 2027.
The RM291.4 million project managed by the Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (then Sibu Water Board) is intended to stabilise water supply for Sibu and surrounding areas.
“Water meters have continued running despite little or no supply, resulting in unjust charges for the affected community,” he added, highlighting the billing concern.
He urged the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUTS) to present a concrete plan to resolve the long-standing issue and called for a ministerial visit to hear directly from residents.
Tiong who is also Dudong assemblyman also appealed to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to intervene and ensure agencies take immediate action to restore reliable water services. — DayakDaily
