By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 13: The Sarawak government is set to officially launch the single water management entity by June this year, marking the final stage of the merger involving the Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the strategic move is aimed at streamlining water supply management and improving service delivery across the State.
Julaihi explained that, for the time being, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is not included in the merger.
“We already have a name for the new entity, and it will be officially launched in June. We are now in the final stage, which means the three water agencies will be merged into a single entity—except for JBALB, which is not involved at this stage,” he told reporters during the Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
The open house event was also graced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
Julaihi stressed that the initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s long-term goal to ensure a more integrated and uniform water supply system, benefiting both urban and rural populations with consistent and high-quality services.
As reported on Jan 27, the single water entity is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of this year.
In a related development, Julaihi also announced that the Sarawak government now holds a majority stake—over 51 per cent—in Sacofa Sdn Bhd through its wholly owned investment arm, SFS Incorporated.
This makes Sacofa a fully state-owned agency, enabling it to play a greater role in expanding telecommunication infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas.
The open house event also featured contributions to the Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board (Peryatim) and children from the Laila Taib Welfare Complex.
The event drew an estimated 3,000 guests from various walks of life.
Also present at the open house event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, elected representatives, and senior government officials. — DayakDaily
