By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 15: Sarawak is planning to turn its abundant river resources into a new source of export revenue with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealing that discussions are already underway to supply treated water to a neighbouring country.
According to him, the plan would only proceed after the State achieves its target of providing 100 per cent clean water coverage by 2030.
“First, we must ensure the people of Sarawak have sufficient water. Once that is achieved, the next step is exports,” he told reporters after officiating the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 here today.
While declining to identify the country involved due to ongoing negotiations, he said water is being considered as a new export commodity to generate additional revenue for the State.
The Premier said Sarawak’s extensive river network, coupled with existing water purification technology, makes the plan feasible.
“We don’t have to reinvent the technology. It already exists,” he said, adding that one river could eventually be dedicated to supplying treated water for export.
Abang Johari said countries facing freshwater shortages, particularly those dependent on costly seawater desalination could benefit from importing treated river water from Sarawak.
He added that the State is upgrading its water infrastructure through the Sarawak Water Grid and expanding treatment capacity to meet its 2030 target, while more than RM1 billion has been allocated to replace ageing pipelines and reduce water losses.
For remote areas that cannot be connected to the grid, he said the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply Programme (SAWAS) will continue to provide clean water.
Beyond domestic use, Abang Johari said water will also support Sarawak’s hydrogen ambitions, describing it as part of the State’s broader strategy to maximise its natural resources. — DayakDaily
