By Christopher Lidom and Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 28: Sarawak has requested financial assistance from the federal government to replace the old water supply pipelines throughout the State.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the old water supply pipelines throughout the State were laid out during the Brooke times and had a lot of leakage.
“At the moment, the Sarawak government has allocated its own fund of RM1.08 billion to replace the old water pipe system. If possible, the federal government can top up the fund,” he said when officiating at the national-level World Water Day celebration held at Kuching Waterfront today.
Abang Johari said for 2024, the Sarawak government has spent RM294 million to replace the water distribution pipes in Kuching, which will be extended to Sri Aman until the Northern areas of Sarawak.
He pointed out that while the pipes are being replaced, the layout will also be input into Sarawak’s main database for future reference.
“This is part of the digitalisation process that the Sarawak government is implementing,” he added.
Meanwhile, when asked about Abang Johari’s request to the federal government, Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), said there is already a programme for that from the federal government.
He said the programme is implemented for every state by giving grants or loans to the state government.
“(For the amount) It depends on the budget and how much allocation my ministry received,” he said. — DayakDaily
