news

Sarawak wants cut in Non-Revenue water loss

SIBU: Sarawak wants distribution networks in the state to reduce loss of non-revenue water (NRW) to 20 per cent from the present 31 per cent by the end of the 10th Malaysia Plan in 2015.   Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said holistic rather than piecemeal or ad hoc steps must be identified.   “We cannot claim to have a very modern, efficient and effective supply system when we are continuously plagued by this problem.   “For this reason, the main operators like the Kuching and Sibu water authorities and Laku Management Sdn Bhd (for Bintulu, Miri and Limbang) and the Public Works Department (Water Supply Division) should hold regular meetings and pool their resources to address it,” he said.   Dr Rundi represented Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan in closing the three-day annual Sarawak Water Retreat 2012 workshop aimed at considering ways to modernise and improve water supply in the state, here, last night. Seventy water experts attended the workshop, organised by the Sibu Water Board. — BERNAMA Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/29/sarawak-wants-cut-in-non-revenue-water-loss-new/#ixzz20lcZTtzd

news

Govt plans to build Baram raw water transfer plant

MIRI: The state government is planning to build the proposed Baram River raw water transfer plant within two years and is appealing to the federal government to speed up the approval of RM240 million needed for the project. In disclosing this, Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said the project to replace the present water intake for Lambir treatment plant at Sungai Liku and Bakong River water transfer point was currently at the design stage. “With its completion, Miri will enjoy better quality of water and not face any water supply shortage during drought,” he said in a press conference after attending a briefing by Northern Sarawak Water Board (Laku) at its head office here yesterday. Also at the briefing by Laku CEO Wong Tiong Kai were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah, Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, permanent secretary to Ministry of Public Utilities Datu Ubaidillah Latip, board members and heads of departments. The minister said the proposed 18km water pipeline from the water intake at Baram river above Marudi town would be connected to Bakong raw water intake station before it is transferred to Lambir. He said the plan to source raw water from Baram river was due to the higher cost of treating non–health hazardous discoloured water during drought and the possible contamination risk due to the oil palm plantations along the Bakong river. “Sungai Bakong water quality is not the best due to its natural colour which is not harmful and this colour is very difficult to remove,” he said. On Laku, the minister said it managed water supply systems in Miri, Limbang, Samalaju and Bintulu with a combined capacity of 537 million litres daily (MLD) and was looking into the demand for industrial water by the heavy industries in Samalaju Industrial Park. “We are looking at water intake either at Similajau river or Kemena river, and the industrial consumers in Samalaju need to mineralise water supplied,” he said. On non-revenue water (NRW) reduction, Dr Rundi said the authorities were looking at replacing aged and undersize pipes which are vulnerable to leakage at high pressure. He said NRW was about 21 per cent in Miri. Since its establishment in 1996, Laku has spent RM12 million to replace leaky pipes, Wong revealed. In Miri, Laku planned to lay a new 800mm diameter pipeline to Permyjaya/Senadin area to overcome the low pressure woes by next year, Dr Rundi added. On a related matter, Dr Rundi suggested that Sarawak look into water bottling to reduce water wastage. “We take water for granted as we are fortunate to have many rivers in the state, but there are countries which fight over water resources, and it is important not to waste water,” he said. Dr Rundi further said that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) should monitor plantation and farming activities to prevent river pollution. He also said his ministry would be seeking assistance from Sains to provide data to Rural Water Supply Department and in its billing system.

news

‘Registration of electrical installation contractors vital’

MIRI: Faulty and shoddy works can have devastating consequences. This is especially so concerning overloaded electricity circuit, faulty connections and wrong wire gauge which can lead to overheating, sparks, and a fire. Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) here have therefore conducted an engagement session on the requirement to register competent Electrical Installation Contractors (EIC). About 100 of them and their workers attended the session at SEB Miri Regional office here yesterday, led by assistant electrical inspector Kelvin Yong. “Without full understanding, the work might not meet the code, rules and regulation. It is therefore important that the contactors employ competent persons,” said Yong, adding the aim of the engagement was to instil and create awareness on the requirement for the registration of electrical installation contractors. He said electrical works included making electrical wiring, underground cables, overhead lines, main switchboards and substation works.

news

Over 200 Bario homes get 24-hour solar power

BARIO: Over 200 households in villages here will benefit from the Bario Central Solar Hybrid Power Station, which provides 24-hour supply of affordable and renewable electricity. The 887kW solar hybrid power system is the biggest solar project to date under the government’s alternative rural electrification initiative in Sarawak. “We have been discussing ways to supply the rural people with basic amenities and we see this as a challenge as it needs a lot of grants, and the current infrastructure is not enough,” said Minister of Public Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom when launching the power station in Kampung Baru on Tuesday. “We are trying very hard to provide this to the very rural households.” He pointed out that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem aims to develop Sarawak into a high income state by 2030. Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Group CEO Datuk Torstein Dale Sjøtveit said the solar power station has benefited the community in more ways than one. “Besides lighting up the Bario community, it has also created job opportunities for the locals. During the construction of the project, the contractor hired the local community to assist in construction works, including transporting building materials and taking care of the sites. “Since the commissioning of the power station, Sarawak Energy also hired some of the local youth to become our power plant operators. This is a meaningful project that will bring positive changes to the Bario community,” he said. Located at 3,200 feet above sea level, Bario is one of the most isolated places in Sarawak with mountainous terrain, making it impossible to have it linked to the state’s electricity grid. The solar system serves Kampung Baru, Kampung Padang Pasir, Pa Ramapoh A and B, Ulung Palang A and B, Pa Umor, Pa Ukat and Pa Derong; as well as the nearby bazaar and several administrative offices. Extension work is ongoing to connect Arun Layun and Bario Asal before the end of this year, bringing the total number of households supplied to over 300. There are also smaller standalone solar hybrid stations supplying Arur Dalan, Pa Lungan, Pa Mada, Pa Dalih and Pa Remudu. SEB through the Rural Off-Grid Operation Division has been appointed by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development to carry out the operation and maintenance of this federal-funded RM27 million system and other surrounding solar hybrid stations. The construction of the solar system began in 2010 and was first commissioned in September last year before it was handed over to SEB in June. The system makes use of two energy sources – solar photovoltaic as the primary source and diesel generator as back-up with battery banks for energy storage. As such, at least 70 per cent of the energy derived from this system is solar power, while the remaining is from diesel generation. Currently, there are 17 similar solar hybrid power stations in operation throughout the interior of Sarawak. Another 12 to 15 stations are in various stages of implementation and are expected to be commissioned within the next two years. A total of 70,882 new rural households have been connected either through grid expansion or off-grid hybrids, with electricity coverage in the state now reaching 91 per cent. To accelerate rural electrification, the state government recently launched the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) aiming to construct community-based solar and micro-hydro systems for over 300 of the remotest villages and a budget of RM500 million has been allocated for this over five years until 2020. Among those present were Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis.

news

‘Asbestos-based cement water pipes to be replaced’

KUCHING: All  asbestos-based cement water pipes being used in Kuching will gradually be replaced, said Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn. He said according to a study, most of the water pipelines containing asbestos cement in Kuching Division had been under the ground for decades and starting to wear out. “There is already a plan to replace all the worn out asbestos pipes in Kuching. Our ministry has bid for the funding from the Federal Government and once we have the fund we will begin with the upgrading works,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday. Sagah said to replace the worn out pipes in Kuching alone would be a major exercise. “We estimate that to replace all of the asbestos cement pipelines is in the order of RM700 million,” he said. He, however, said the authorities  might not be able to replace all the pipelines at one time adding that the implementation would depend on the availability of funds. It is believed that hundreds of thousands of asbestos pipelines around Kuching are now over 40 years old. Sagah said old asbestos cement pipes were one of the major causes of underground leak and burst problem, and caused water interruptions. He said the asbestos cement pipes  would be replaced with either metal or high density polyethylene (HDPE). Until the worn out asbestos cement pipelines are replaced, he said the authority might have to control the water pressure in certain areas. When told some villagers in Siburan were still experiencing frequent water interruptions and only little stream of water coming out from the taps, he said the state Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) was aware of the problem. He said the department had been responding to the leakage and burst problems swiftly and were always monitoring the situation in the area from time to time. He reiterated that worn out asbestos cement pipeline was the major cause, saying they could no longer hold high pressure. “The pressure there has to be controlled. If the pressure is increased, the old asbestos cement pipes may just break or bust, which then will cause water supply interruption,” he said. He said replacing of the old asbestos cement piping in some of the villages in Siburan, including in Kampung Masaan was already in the plan.

news

Water authorities must overcome shortage problem – Dr Rundi

Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said this was crucial especially in achieving the tasks that the government had entrusted them.   Speaking at the closing ceremony of Sarawak Water Supply Retreat 2012 at Kingwood Hotel on Thursday night, he said modernisation of water supply did not focus on production alone, but the sustainability and security of water resources.   “Water authorities must make an effort to know what is going on in their areas, and this is part of the water supply management,” he pointed out.   He praised the 2012 retreat as being timely because of the current water shortages. He said the retreat was a good platform for the authorities to get together, brainstorm and do their best in coming out with better ideas and solutions.   “Our main task is to achieve the target of supplying treated water to all, especially in the rural areas.   “We know it is very difficult to achieve, especially when the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) proposed a high percentage for us to achieve. Nonetheless we will try to achieve it,” he said.   He also said that the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is a key indicator of water operators’ efficiency.   He said water supply management should be done holistically using modern technology and system and should not be a one-off effort.   He also said besides NRW reduction, water authorities should promote awareness of the value of the resource to the public.   “Motivate and convince them to avoid water wastage and to conserve water in their everyday chores,” he advised.   Organising chairman Alice Jawan Empaling said there were 70 participants from four agencies at the retreat.   They successfully came out with 12 resolutions covering all fields in modernisation of water supply.   Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply), Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran; permanent secretary to the Ministry of Public Utilities, Ubaidillah Abdul Latip and political secretary to the Chief Minister Abu Seman Jahwie. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/30/water-authorities-must-overcome-shortage-problem-dr-rundi/#ixzz20lbNLVbg

news

RM8 billion needed to power up Sarawak by 2025 — Public Utilities Minister

SIBU: Some 42,000 households or 189,000 residents in Sarawak’s interior will be supplied with electricity by the end of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), with the government embarking on four initiatives to light up the rural areas. Public Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said the required allocation to supply electricity throughout the state through grid connection and alternative schemes by 2025 is estimated to cost RM8 billion. “If there is the allocation it is not an obstacle, the state government desires to achieve the goal by 2025. The vastness of Sarawak coupled with its geographical factors like hilly terrain and scattered population pose a major challenge to supply electricity to interior areas. “In this respect, survey and study are being implemented to develop these areas. Nevertheless, the government has four initiatives; namely Rural Electricity Supply Project (BELB) through distribution grid connection, Rural Power Supply Scheme (RPSS) through transmission grid connection, Alternative Rural Electrifi cation Project (Hybrid) and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrifi cation Scheme (Sares) to supply these areas with electricity,” Dr Rundi told The Borneo Post, adding this was subject to distance from the grid and existing road connectivity. He disclosed that the overall electricity coverage in Sarawak was currently around 91 per cent, with 82.5 per cent of rural areas already covered. He expected the remaining 17.5 percent of rural areas without coverage yet to be supplied with power through the grid. Dr Rundi, who is Kemena assemblyman, said the alternative Hybrid scheme and Sares are systems that are not connected to the grid. For the grid connection scheme, he added, the government had allocated RM2,922 million for the period between 2009 and 2016. As for the alternative system, he said RM818 million had been allocated for the Hybrid system for 2009 to 2016. “For the period of 11MP, RM1,355 million has been allocated by the government, while Sares had been allocated RM500 million for the period 2016 to 2020,” Dr Rundi added. Since the implementation of NKRA (National Key Result Areas) in 2009 till end of 2015, a total of 66,000 households or 297,000 people in all rural areas in Sarawak had enjoyed electricity supply through the grid connection scheme and alternative systems. He pointed out that areas in the hinterlands which do not have road connection will be supplied power through Hybrid and Sares. Hybrid projects will be funded by the federal government, while Sares will be (jointly) funded by the state government (54 per cent) and federal government (46 per cent), he added. Concerning Hybrid, he said this system will be developed in places which are populous and implemented by contractors appointed by the federal government. He added that consumers would be charged for usage according to Sesco’s rates and there is no limit to usage. However, in remote interior areas where the population is scattered, he said the community- based Sares will be used as this system will be operated by the residents. He said Sares will be implemented by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and residents would not be required to pay for its usage. Under Sares which can only power up lamps, fans, refrigerators and televisions and other simple applications, he said residents will be given training on the basic operation. “Up until now, 1,049 households and 6,136 residents have enjoyed electricity supply through the alternative system like in Long Banga through mini hydro; Bario through solar and several more places throughout the state,” Dr Rundi noted. He acknowledged that many agencies had implemented solar and hydro systems as pilot projects and research. Thus, the government through Ministry of Public Utilities was making efforts to obtain all information and to coordinate these projects and enter them into the ministry’s data for future planning, he added. “The government has outlined the implementation methods for projects to suit areas which will be developed. For solar projects and also hydro, the government has introduced Sares implementation method and Hybrid to overcome problems encountered. ” He assured that SEB has the skills and expertise to implement, manage and regulate electricity supply in Sarawak.

news

Sarawak to work with Brunei to synchronise system

MIRI:  Malaysia, especially Sarawak, will be working closely with Brunei to ensure the electricity transmission system including its technology and infrastructure are in tandem with each other. Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin disclosed after a working visit and meeting with his counterpart in Brunei on Friday that the growth of the energy industry in Brunei had been slow because of Brunei’s small population.   “In terms of transmission, the need for electricity is not that great. Therefore, they are using 66KV which is considered quite low level transmission but in Malaysia, in Sarawak, we are using 275KV. If we want to transmit anything from Sarawak to Brunei, they cannot receive as they are using low transmission cables,” said Chin.   Chin said Brunei was very open to change their entire cable system to 275KV so that Sarawak could transmit to Brunei if they wanted to buy.   “I think they have expressed their interest and commitment to say that we should work together when they have modernised their system to 275KV. I have been told that by 2015, they will be ready,” he added.   This, Chin said, would be of mutual benefit as not only could Sarawak transmit electricity to Brunei but should the state for example, Miri, experience blackouts or break downs in the system, Brunei could also reciprocate by sending electricity to us. This proposal is also under the Asean power grid agreement which was agreed in an Asean head of state meeting.   The agreement provides for electricity linkages for all Asean countries which are Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines similar to that of Europe.   Malaysia has created these linkages with Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.   Meanwhile, the proposed hydro projects in Trusan and Limbang, said Chin, would not only be able to provide sufficient power to northern Sarawak but also beyond, especially to Sabah and Brunei. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/08/sarawak-to-work-with-brunei-to-synchronise-system/#ixzz20lXo4AIx

news

SEB apologises for power outage

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption of power supply and outage incidents experienced by customers in Kuching due to a transmission fault today. In a press statement, SEB grid system operator Yong Ying Poh stated that one of the two 275kV transmission lines that connect Engkilili to Mambong was taken out of service today at 11.47am for urgent replacement of a failed capacitor voltage transformer.   “At 2.12pm today, the remaining circuit tripped unexpectedly, as a result of a line fault.   “Since the second line tripped, the only source of supply into Kuching was from Sejingkat and Tun Abdul Rahman power stations. These stations do not have sufficient capacity to meet demand in Kuching without support from elsewhere in the state,” said Yong.   “To keep the system stable, it has therefore been necessary to turn off supply to some areas around Kuching for up to 45 minutes at a time.”   As of 5pm, full load was expected to be restored at all affected areas.   SEB acknowledged the community’s understandable frustration as a result of today’s incident and has begun an investigation into the underlying cause.   The information will be used to continue improving the standard of reliability in supply. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/19/seb-apologises-for-power-outage/#ixzz21UysDvYN

news

RES project will light up people’s lives

KUCHING: Eight villages in Bau some 45km from here will see enhanced standard of living and extended economic activities once a Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) project is implemented in the district. Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the RES project worth RM8.5 million would be completed next year to bring convenience to vagers. Launching the project at Dewan Masyarakat Krokong, Bau near here yesterday, he said the power to be provided by 2013 would offer lighting to rural folks and also prepare them to enter diverse economic activities. “It is not just for the convenience of villagers but also to enable them to go up another level in terms of economy like spurring the cottage industry in the villages concerned. “Some quarters like pointing finger at us, but bad for them, we do our job and look into the needs of our rural people. “However, we want the people to understand that we cannot do everything overnight. We are aware that some villages in rural areas are without electricity and water supply, but we are doing the very best we can to provide them the amenities.” The villages included Batu Spit, Pisa, Peros, Pengkalan Tebang and Ledan Gumbang. Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management and Minister of Industrial Development, thus called on the people to rally behind Barisan Nasional (BN) come the 13th general election. He said he could understand the desire for change, but cautioned that people should be mindful of the type of changes they signed up for. “People talk so much about change, ubah, ubah, ubah … Yes; we want to see change, but not the kind going backward. Only with BN could we move way forward. “We want BN to continue bringing development especially to rural folks, so give your support to BN during the coming general election.” Meanwhile, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos advised the folks to approach him if they were interested in applying for a franchise agreement to run Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KRIM) in their villages. The Mambong MP said more KRIM would be set up nation-wide following Budget 2013 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Sept 28. “With Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia, people can purchase goods at more affordable prices.” On Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BRIM), Dawos said the registration would start next month while the financial aids would be doled out January next year. “Those who received their first BRIM do not need to register because we have the records in the database, and they will automatically get it again. “As for those who missed it the first time, register with your respective district offices in November so that you will get the money in January 2013.” Also present were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Sylvester Entri, Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister of Resource Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, State Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Kuching Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Senusi. Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/06/res-project-will-light-up-peoples-lives/#ixzz29iB00iQ2 KUCHING: Eight villages in Bau some 45km from here will see enhanced standard of living and extended economic activities once a Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) project is implemented in the district. Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the RES project worth RM8.5 million would be completed next year to bring convenience to vagers.   Launching the project at Dewan Masyarakat Krokong, Bau near here yesterday, he said the power to be provided by 2013 would offer lighting to rural folks and also prepare them to enter diverse economic activities.   “It is not just for the convenience of villagers but also to enable them to go up another level in terms of economy like spurring the cottage industry in the villages concerned. “Some quarters like pointing finger at us, but bad for them, we do our job and look into the needs of our rural people.   “However, we want the people to understand that we cannot do everything overnight. We are aware that some villages in rural areas are without electricity and water supply, but we are doing the very best we can to provide them the amenities.”   The villages included Batu Spit, Pisa, Peros, Pengkalan Tebang and Ledan Gumbang.   Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management and Minister of Industrial Development, thus called on the people to rally behind Barisan Nasional (BN) come the 13th general election.   He said he could understand the desire for change, but cautioned that people should be mindful of the type of changes they signed up for.   “People talk so much about change, ubah, ubah, ubah … Yes; we want to see change, but not the kind going backward. Only with BN could we move way forward. “We want BN to continue bringing development especially to rural folks, so give your support to BN during the coming general election.”   Meanwhile, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos advised the folks to approach him if they were interested in applying for a franchise agreement to run Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KRIM) in their villages.   The Mambong MP said more KRIM would be set up nation-wide following Budget 2013 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Sept 28. “With Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia, people can purchase goods at more affordable prices.” On Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BRIM), Dawos said the registration would start next month while the financial aids would be doled out January next year.   “Those who received their first BRIM do not need to register because we have the records in the database, and they will automatically get it again.   “As for those who missed it the first time, register with your respective district offices in November so that you will get the money in January 2013.”   Also present were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Sylvester Entri, Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister of Resource Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, State Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Kuching Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Senusi. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/06/res-project-will-light-up-peoples-lives/#ixzz29iB00iQ2