KUCHING, March 27: The joint involvement of the Sarawak government and state and federal agencies, as well as the public, is required in realising the implementation of the integrated national water resources management for the benefit of the current and future generations.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Dato Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said this, emphasising that water is a valuable resource and needs to be properly managed to ensure it remains available not only to support development but also to maintain the ecosystem for sustainability and conservation of water resources.
“Among the efforts taken by the Sarawak government in addressing the water resources issues and challenges are such as the development of water balance system through Water Balance Development Program for the National Water Resources Management, and the integrated river management in Similaju, to generate some economic return and get the life benefit out of it.
“This includes upgrading the existing drought monitoring system and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in order for the Sarawak government to have the latest information to help manage the distribution of water resources more systematically,” said Sim in his speech when officiating the “Gotong Royong” program held in conjunction with the World Water Day 2021 at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa, today.
Sim, who is also Batu Kawa assemblyman, noted the involvement of all parties to protect the water resources, especially the rivers, are important in order to preserve its ecosystem.
According to Sim, he was informed by the Kuching Water Board (KWB) that the water quality in Kuching has dropped due to pollution.
He said in order to ensure that all the waste would not go into the river and polluted it, the Sarawak government has also spent a few hundred millions on waste management every year.
“Everyone must work together to ensure that the river does not become a dumping ground for water in order to maintain the ecosystem and ensure its sustainability as well conservation of water resources,” he added.
Also present during the program were MPP chairman Lo Khere Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang assemblyman), Ministry of Local Government and Housing permanent secretary Datu Antonio Kahti Galis, and MPP deputy chairman Dato Ahmad Dato Sri Ibrahim. –DayakDaily.
