Abang Johari (sixth left) officiates the launch of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd at BCCK while Julaihi (fifth left) and other dignitaries look on. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Aug 26): Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd was officially launched today, marking the historic consolidation of Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd into a single state-owned water supply entity.

Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the new company, recognised as Sarawak Water, is fully owned by the Sarawak government through SFS Incorporated.

“Meanwhile, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) will remain the state’s implementing agency for infrastructure, particularly in rural areas,” said Julaihi during the launching of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

Julaihi said the formation of Sarawak Water marked a significant step towards improving water management in the state.

“This is a transformative step to strengthen water supply management through more effective organisation, better asset management, financial sustainability and enhanced customer satisfaction,” he said.

According to Julaihi, the consolidation followed a detailed study initiated in 2020, which involved stakeholder consultations, technical workshops and benchmarking visits to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan (SAINS) and Perth, Western Australia.

“The merger officially took effect on Aug 1, 2025, this year with the appointment of Sarawak Water as the new operator and the dissolution of KWB and SWB.

“Although KWB and SWB have been dissolved, operations in their respective areas are continuing as usual and all staff from KWB and SWB have been offered to join Sarawak Water,” he said.

Julaihi assured staff that their welfare was safeguarded with the principle ‘everyone will not be worse off economically’ and ‘everyone will have a place in the new organisation’.

“Out of the 1,248 staff involved, 1,214 or 97.12 per cent have agreed to join Sarawak Water, while 34 employees chose to remain in the state civil service.
 

Julaihi delivers his speech during the launching of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd – Photo by Chimon Upon

On water supply coverage, Julaihi noted that urban areas currently enjoy more than 99 per cent coverage, while rural areas stand at 71 per cent, bringing total state coverage to 85.6 per cent.

“With the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Sarawak Water Grid, we are confident of achieving full coverage by 2030.

“However, we will need more than RM20 billion to reach this target,” he said.

He also highlighted several major projects, including the Landeh Water Treatment Plant and water supply projects in Nyabau, Beluru, Samalaju, Trusan and Lawas.

Julaihi added that the government continues to expand the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme to provide access to remote rural communities.

Since 2018, he said, the Sarawak government has approved nearly RM6 billion for water supply development projects.

“This includes RM1.1 billion allocated to upgrade and replace 2,740 kilometres of ageing and worn-out pipes across the state.

“The programme, which began in late 2024, will run in phases over five years,” he said.

At the same ceremony, Julaihi announced that Sarawak Water has developed a mobile app to improve customer service.

The app, launched at the event by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, allows consumers to track daily water usage and pay bills online.