SIBU (May 5): Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi has called on residents in Sibu and Sibu Jaya to understand that their ongoing water supply problems stem from long-standing inherited infrastructure weaknesses, not from the present state administration.

He said both areas, although often perceived as urban, still fall under the rural category in terms of water infrastructure, where distribution systems and pipelines — many of them over 40 years old — are unable to meet current demand.

“We want the people in Sibu and especially in Sibu Jaya to understand why these problems exist. The issues did not start today. They are inherited from decades of ageing systems, weak pipelines and outdated networks that were never designed to support the population we have now,” he said during a dialogue session with community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) and local residents at the Salim Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday.

Julaihi said this is why the Sarawak government is investing RM7 billion statewide to rebuild the water supply ecosystem, including constructing new treatment plants, upgrading existing facilities and replacing 2,743 kilometres of old pipelines.

He explained that improving water supply is not as simple as patching a road, because water infrastructure relies on a complete system — from the source to the treatment plant, distribution mains and test-and-commissioning — before water can reach consumers with stable pressure.

Julaihi said he personally monitors progress to ensure projects are implemented smoothly and reflect what has been announced to the public.

“I know people are frustrated, but we are moving forward. We want to settle this once and for all. That is why we are mobilising every available resource to deliver treated water to rural communities, including Sibu and Sibu Jaya,” he said.

He also reminded property owners to take responsibility for internal piping issues, as the government can only guarantee supply up to the property boundary.

Julaihi expressed hope for cooperation from local leaders and communities so upgrading works can be completed without unnecessary delays.

Also present at the briefing and dialogue session were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sarawak Water acting chief executive officer Malseni Jamal, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Joshua Ting and Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.