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Digitalisation Initiatives at Ministry of Utilities Sarawak

Digitalisation Initiatives at Ministry of Utilities Sarawak For the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak, it is its ultimate aspiration to uplift the socio-economic well-being of Sarawakians through the provision of world-class utilities throughout Sarawak – utilities namely water supply, electricity and gas that are deemed accessible, reliable, economical, safe and sustainable. One of the ways that the Ministry and agencies under its purview are undertaking to achieve this is carrying out and utilising digital solutions to modernise utility management and enhance consumer experience. “We are in an era whereby nobody does things manually now… (so) as best as possible our network, our system and our facilities must gradually move towards digitalisation,” said the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary YBhg Dato Ir. Alice Jawan Empaling in an interview with RAKAN Sarawak. YBhg Dato Ir. Alice Jawan Empaling, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary “Because when we talk about our facilities, our plants and all that, we also benchmark with facilities from developed countries whereby it is about working smart rather than working hard in a way,” she explained, adding that digitalising their assets is essential so that they are easily reachable and readily available. The following are two (2) digitalisation initiatives that the Ministry is implementing at present. These initiatives have helped enhance efficiency and service delivery for the Ministry, especially in improving procedures that used to be done manually: e-MINDS A slide on e-MINDS, as featured in the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak’s official website Established in 2012, the Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) Main Information, Network and Database System or e-MINDS is an online system that enables the application and renewal for electrical competency and other matters concerning electricity supply. These include: Application for Certificate of Competency as a Wireman Application for Certificate of Competency as a Chargeman Application for Certificate of Competency as a Cable Jointer Application for Certificate of Competency as an Electrical Supervisor Application for Certificate of Competency as a Competent Electrical Engineer Application for Certificate of Registration as an Electrical Installation Contractor Application for Import Permit Application for Certificate of Approval to Manufacture, Import, Display, Sell or Advertise Equipment Application for Certificate of Registration as a Switchboard Manufacturer Application for Wayleave Application for Registration of Electric Fence Since 2020, certifications approved through e-MINDS are signed digitally. Previously, certificates were needed to be printed out to be signed physically. e-Utilities System A slide on e-Utilities System, as featured in the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak’s official website Launched on 28 January 2021, e-Utilities System is designed to provide online services for application of licences and products related to water supply and gas distribution. According to the Ministry, these modules include: Sarawak e-KPI System for Water Supply Services (e-KISS) Credit Checking System (CCS) and Map Viewer Project Monitoring Water supply interruption notification Under e-Water: Application for Mains Layer Licence Application for Pipe Fitter Licence Water Supply Product Certification Under e-Gas: Application for Distribution of Gas Licence Registration for Certificate of Gas Competency Registration for Gas Contractors Application for Approval to Install (ATI) Gas Piping System Application for Approval to Operate (ATO) Gas Piping System Certificate of Approval for Assembler, Manufacturer or Importer of Gas Fittings, Gas Appliances and Gas Equipment Certificate of Approval for Gas Fittings, Gas Appliance and Gas Equipment “With this, we will be able to monitor the performances of our agencies as well as manage the State’s utilities infrastructure development programmes and projects,” said Dato Ir. Alice during the launch of the system at the LCDA Tower, Kuching.

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IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES FOR BAWANG ASSAN

IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES FOR BAWANG ASSAN   KUCHING 13 NOVEMBER 2021 Electricity supply to households at Bawang Assan, Sibu is expected to be improved with the completion of the ongoing grid reinforcement project for a back-up 33kV supply overhead line from Sg Maaw 132/11 kV substation to the existing 33kV overhead line at Sg. Btg Lebaan. This project, scheduled to be completed by end of 2022, is a follow-up of an earlier initial reinforcement project completed in February 2020, which involved the splitting of the sources of electricity supply to Bawang Assan from Ensurai 33/11KV Substation and Sg Maaw 132/11KV Substation to better balance the load demand. The backup supply reinforcement works for Bawang Assan’s distribution network will improve reliability as well as enable quick restoration of supply to the  customers. Sarawak Energy’s  team is also continuously monitoring the voltage stability and performance  of the supply lines in an effort to minimize the risk of a supply disruption in the area. Efforts to strengthen the distribution network in high density areas like Bawang Assan have been an ongoing initiative and the network’s performances are being constantly assessed to detect the issues that need improvement. For Bawang Assan, extensive works to install the back-up supply lines began in 2018. In addition, the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak has received a total of 251 applications from 10 villages in Bawang Assan for electrical connections under the ALAF or Additional Late Applicant Fund initiative.  Consultants are now doing ground survey and design works, and implementation by the contractors for connections to the electricity grid will be carried out in 2022. ALAF is an on-going State Government initiative since 2018, aimed at reducing the financial burden of eligible new rural homeowners needing power connection. The costs of connection to the existing rural distribution network, for eligible ALAF applicants, will be absorbed by the Sarawak Government for single-phase connection. As for water supply, Sibu Water Board (SWB) has undertaken temporary measures to address the water supply problem affecting the households in Bawang Assan. These measures include conducting periodical leak detection to reduce water loss due to pipe leakages, carrying out immediate pipe repair work once leakage is detected and supplying water using water tank trucks to affected areas. On the way forward to improve the water supply and mitigate the problem in Bawang Assan, SWB has put in place long term measures to address the water problem. These measures include the installation of a new water storage tank at Sibu Barat Booster Station, which is expected to be completed in 2022. Apart from that, the renewal of old and dilapidated pipelines at Jalan Sungai area will also be carried out. The renewal of pipelines for Maaw and Bawang Assan areas will be implemented under the Projek Rakyat Programme in 2022. In addition, the project to install a new pipeline and a high level tank in the Bawang Assan area ill be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan. “The Sarawak Government is committed towards achieving full coverage for both water and electricity supplies by the year 2025. For electricity supply, the strategies adopted include implementing the transmission and distribution rural electrification grid extensions for areas with accessibility. For remote inaccessible areas, stand-alone off-grid Hybrid and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Supply (SARES) system will be adopted. For water supply, the strategies adopted include regionalization of water supplies, implementation of the state-wide water grid and stand-alone SAWAS systems for the remote areas. To achieve our commitment of providing full coverage, a total amount of RM4bil for water supply and RM2.37bil for electricity supply had already been approved under Projek Rakyat. In addition, RM18.9 billion for water supply and RM2 bil for electricity supply had been put up for funding considerations under the 12th Malaysia Plan.” said the Minister for Utilities, Dato Sri Stephen Rundi.

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Brunei offered higher stake in hydro projects

KUCHING: The state government is giving an option to Brunei to participate directly in the development of hydroelectric projects in the state, particularly in Limbang and Lawas. Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said this was part of efforts in enhancing greater economic cooperation between the state and Brunei. “We are not only looking at them (Brunei) as our power consumer but we are also giving them an option to participate directly in our hydro electric projects in Limbang and Lawas,” he said at a media conference after attending a third bilateral meeting between the two parties here yesterday. He said the ‘offer’ was in line with an agreement made between the two parties to enhance greater economic cooperation. Awang Tengah said that the governments of Sarawak and Brunei had agreed to form a working group to facilitate economic cooperation between the two sides at the meeting yesterday. He said the task of the working group was to look into ways to facilitate the implementation of various projects under five strategic areas of economic cooperation, one of which was energy. “This meeting is a follow up to the first one held here on January 7, 2010 and the second one held in Bandar Seri Begawan from July 11 to 12 last year. “Since the last two meetings, various projects under the five strategic areas for economic cooperation, namely energy, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture and halal hub, have been implemented. The meeting today (yesterday) discussed ways to facilitate the implementation of the projects.” Awang Tengah said that besides energy, Sarawak was also looking at how to establish greater cooperation in the tourism sector with Brunei being an international hub for airlines. “Since they have good international connectivity, we are seeking their cooperation to help promote our culture, adventure and nature (CAN) tourism products,” he said. Awang Tengah was leading the Sarawak’s delegation while the 10-member delegation from Brunei was led by its Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng. Lim, who also spoke to the media, said the meeting was essentially a follow up to the discussion between the Prime Minister and Brunei Sultan on economic cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei, focusing on Sabah and Sarawak being immediate neighbours. “This is part and parcel of our efforts to increase the economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly with Sabah and Sarawak,” he said. He said the economic cooperation had been going on for quite sometime, with the private sectors from the two sides working together very closely and two-way trade between Sarawak and Brunei long established. http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07/01/brunei-offered-higher-stake-in-hydro-projects/

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81 pct of state has treated water in 2015

KUCHING: The state’s treated water coverage has increased substantially from 65 per cent in 2004 to 80.5 per cent in 2015. Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said to continue enhancing the management and delivery of our water supply and services in the rural areas, the state government had established a new department called Rural Water Supply Department to focus on its core business of supplying water. He added under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11th MP), a sum of RM3.62 billion had been agreed for the implementation of water supply projects in Sarawak including continuation projects carried over from the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10th MP). “From the amount, RM2.67 billion comes under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, with the funding and appointment of consultants and contractors directly under the ministry. In his winding-up speech yesterday, Dr Rundi said his ministry would continue to secure more funds and seek more empowerment in terms of planning and implementation of projects from the federal government by allocating the funds directly to the sate. “My ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation to enable the planning and implementation of water and electricity supply projects to the rural areas are carried out in tandem with the rural road connectivity projects. “As for the remote communities without road access or not feasible to be extended for the water supply system from the existing water supply authorities, alternative water supply system will be implemented such as the proposed programme called Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme,” he told the august House. The programme would be developed to explore and implement various alternative systems applicable to different areas in the state, be it coastal areas or the hinterland. On the implementation of the programme, the ministry would seek the necessary funding from the federal government. Meanwhile, the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) and Alternative Hybrid Rural Electrification Project (HYBRID) are stand-alone schemes utilising renewable energy technology, another alternative approach undertaken by the government. “SARES will complement the HYBRID programme to accelerate rural electrification by providing stand-alone solar and micro-hydro systems to the most inaccessible villages. It is estimated that over 300 villages comprising about 8,700 households will be supplied under SARES over the next five years. “The first 50 projects will be implemented this year at a cost of RM75 million,” he said. Dr Rundi told a press conference later that the state needed very strong support from the federal government in terms of funding and empowerment. This was to ensure that the state would have the authority to choose the priority and coordinate the water and electricity supplies. “I must tell you that funding is the core issue here. As such, I’m trying to get my officers to work extra hard especially the new department (Rural Water Supply) to look at ways to expedite the supply of treated water to the rural areas,” he said. As of now all plans and contractors were appointed by the federal government through the new department. “Nonetheless, we have achieved certain good percentage but we are yet to move faster. I have been given the task by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to fulfil the aspiration and expectation of the rural people as they have high expectation on how we can resolve their predicament as soon as possible. “I appeal to the federal government to really look into our proposal, especially in the 11thMP, which is where we can fulfil what we have promised to the people. With the economic downturn we have to work harder and work hand-in-hand with the federal government to facilitate the development programme for public utilities in the state. He also said the state government was requesting RM6 billion for water and another RM6 billion for electricity from the federal government to be able to see the impact.

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Longhouses in Tamin area to get water supply soon

SIBU: Works are underway to deliver water supply to several longhouses in Tamin area, says Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi. “Presently, 80 per cent of the water meters have been installed at Dijih Road and its vicinity. Another 20 per cent of the water meters will be installed before Gawai Dayak celebration,” he said Thursday. He was responding to Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang’s recent call for relevant authorities to expedite the works to connect water and electricity supplies to several longhouses in his constituency such as Nanga Dangih Oya, Pulugau Balingian and Kua. Gira has also called on Sibu Water Board (SWB) and Public Works Department (JKR) to accelerate the project on supplying water to longhouses in Sekuau, located along Dijih Road and Rumah Anom near Mile 18. Dr Rundi said Rumah Anom (under SWB’s jurisdiction) areas will be connected with water supply pipelines before the festive celebration. Nanga Dangih Oya in Sekuau areas and Kua which have yet to be connected with water supply pipelines, have been included under upgrading of Nanga Sekuau/Nanga Stapang Water Treatment Plant’s project. “Pulugau Balingian is yet to be connected with water supply pipelines, the project has been included under 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) submission to Ministry of Rural and Regional Development,” said Dr Rundi, who is Kemena assemblyman. Meanwhile, he disclosed that his ministry targets to connect electricity supply to 50 villages in rural areas across Sarawak by end of this year. He said Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) and JKR were doing ground surveys of villages for design scheme, equipment siting, and specifications for 50 villages for implementation in 2016. Dr Rundi added: “Progressive surveys of 273 villages are on-going for implementations staged over the period of 2017 to 2020. It will be a 50-50 federal-state funding under the National Blue Ocean Strategy.” On the difference between ground and progressive surveys, he explained that the challenges in term of infrastructures and scattered settlements, which incur more costs of implementations.

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Department proposes water pipe extension right up to Maludam

BETONG: The Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) has submitted a proposal for the extension of a 1km pipe, spanning from Beladin to Sepinang, to enable water to be supplied up to Maludam. For the record, the department is tasked with handling all matters related to water supply for the rural areas – a function that it took over from the Public Works Department on Sept 1 last year. Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri said JBALB had just finished repairing the water pump at the Maludam plant. “The repair works are meant to boost the water pressure in Maludam. In overcoming water shortage, the department (JBALB) has been manually supplying water to the longhouses in the area to meet the people’s needs,” she said during a dialogue on ‘Water Woes’ here yesterday, where Pusa District Officer Bujang Budin and JBALB divisional engineer Aaron Gorino were also present. Simoi also said she would highlight this issue during the State Legislative Assembly sitting, which commences today, hoping that the relevant authority would speed up the approval process for the project. The dialogue was conducted to explain to Maludam folk about the dry tap issue, which has been a great inconvenience to them.

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Sares launched for full electricity coverage

SEBAUH: The Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) was launched yesterday to speed up efforts to have full electricity coverage in the state by utilising renewable energy like solar and micro-hydro in interior areas. This initiative of the state government, supported by Sarawak Energy, aims to provide 24-hour electricity supply through advancements in alternative energy technology to remote communities where it is very difficult and will take significant amount of time to connect to the main electricity grid. Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom launched Sares at Sebauh Community Hall here, to set in motion the first phase of the scheme which will see the design and installation of localised off-grid solar systems to be implemented by Sarawak Energy for 50 villages, slated for completion by early next year. These 50 villages are part of the 300 isolated villages encompassing 8,700 households located in the selected cluster of communities in remote areas like Ulu Skrang, Katibas, Nanga Merit, Bukit Mabong, Tinjar, Long Bedian, Telang Usan, Bario and Mendamit in Limbang for the scheme’s implementation over the next five years through a RM500 million fund. Present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang, Ministry of Public Utilities permanent secretary Ubaidillah Abdul Latip, Sarawak Energy general manager for research and development Dr Chen Shiun, representatives from relevant agencies and community leaders. During the ceremony, Dr Rundi witnessed the signing of letters of commitment for the implementation of Sares as part of the first phase for 13 villages in the remotest part of Sebauh which are only accessible by river. The signing was between project implementor Sarawak Energy and the 13 village heads representing 170 households as a commitment for them to provide the necessary support and cooperation for the scheme’s implementation in their villages. Total cost to light up these 13 villages is around RM10 million with the project expected to be completed by end of the year. The 13 villages with a total population of 566 situated along Sungai Binyo are Rumah George Tg Mawang (15 households); Rh Binit, Sg Penyilam (seven households); Rh Nyipa, Lbk Bungai (14 households); Rh Sigi, Sg Luap (nine households); Rh Pantang, formerly Rh Gudang (five households); Rh Joseph, formerly Rh Lembang (13 households); Rh Edau (nine households); Rh Peter (30 households); Rh Ira, formerly Rh Gasing (29 households); Rh Mikai (19 households); Rh Bampi (four households); Rh Ulu (three households) and Rh Janting, Sg Smayong (13 households). Dr Rundi said “Sarawak is on track to achieving 100 per cent electricity coverage despite the logistical challenges due to the state’s rugged terrain and sparse population. “It is reassuring to note that domestic coverage is now at 90 per cent. With Sares we hope to light up the remotest communities in the state.” This, will reduce the dependency on costly diesel generators which offer limited hours of supply, alleviating the burden of the villagers. Sares is part of the state’s rural electrification masterplan which complements the present Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) and Rural Power Supply Scheme (RPSS). The simultaneous implementation of these programmes, he added, will speed up the government’s electrification plan to close the gap between rural and urban development. Dr Rundi described electricity as a catalyst for change that is instrumental in realising the vision of becoming a developed state. He commended Sarawak Energy for spearheading the initiative, and working with his ministry on the shared mission to light up Sarawak with steady and reliable electricity. Sares, an innovative government-community partnership model, will see the mobilisation of government machinery and agencies to help villagers build and subsequently own and operate more sustainable and affordable electricity generating systems with maintenance support from relevant agencies. Initial focus will be on equipping households with solar systems given that they are easier to install. Sares also leverages on Sarawak Energy’s proven track record in lighting up five villages in rural Batang Ai through solar as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative. Undertaken by Sarawak Energy’s Research and Development Department in cooperation with the villagers, the solar home system was first implemented at Rh Kino and Rh Manggat in Menyang and later extended to three more villages in Nanga Jengin and Ulu Delok. Further installations are planned for 16 households at Rh Brown, Nanga Stapang in the Engkari area by September. Besides this, studies are also being carried out for sites with micro-hydro potential which will engage expertise from the Public Works Department. Sares systems cater to typical rural household electricity needs with lighting, fans, a television, freezer and cooker and are simple in design without compromising on safety.

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Bridging rural-urban divide in electricity supply

MINISTER of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said rural folk in the most remote and inaccessible areas unable to connect to the grid will not be left out. The reason is that the state is implementing innovative solutions through off-grid Alternative Hybrid Rural Electrification Project (Hybrid) and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) to bridge the rural-urban divide. He disclosed that the Rural Electrification Schemes covering the state had increased from 66 per cent in 2009 to 86 per cent in 2015 with 61,000 more rural households enjoying 24-hour electricity supply. In his winding-up speech on the sixth day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday, Dr Rundi estimated the number of households yet to get electricity at 41,000. The plan for the electrification of these households is extending the grid to villages accessible by road that comprise 11,000 households. Another 18,000 households will be connected with completion of the rural road connectivity projects for these villages, and extension of the grid into rural areas. As for the remaining villages comprising 12,000 households in the most remote areas, the government plans to implement standalone schemes utilising renewable energy under Hybrid and SARES. There is also a need to meet rapid growth catalysed by demand through large investments under the SCORE agenda and pursue sustainable development for power generation by harnessing abundant resources of hydro, coal and gas. The transmission system in the state has been expanded and strengthened to transmit power and enhance system reliability to load centres. The 500kV second transmission backbone stretches across the state from Similaju to Tondong, and when completed end of 2016 will connect the southern region. Other major ongoing or planned transmission system expansion and reinforcement projects are transmission lines connecting Petian-Daro-Sg.Maaw-Tg Manis, strengthening supply to the central coastal areas; the 275kV Murum-Samalaju line to enhance supply reliability to Bintulu and Samalaju areas; the planned Similaju-Bunut-Miri transmission connection to enhance supply to Miri; and planned Bunut-Limbang Lawas transmission connection to link northern-most Sarawak to the grid. Electricity supply recorded growth in demand from 1,000 MW in 2009 to 3,400MW in 2016. Increase in generation capacity was from 1,195MW to 3,544MW to meet this strong demand and expansion of the transmission system with an increase in line length from 974 km to 2,324km. He said as of last year, further tariff reductions were implemented and Sarawakians now enjoy the lowest tariff in Malaysia and among the lowest in the region.

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Low water pressure soon thing of the past

KUCHING: The problem of low water pressure faced by the people in Sadong Jaya and Asajaya will soon be a thing of the past.   This is made possible with the implementation of a treated water supply project starting early this year. Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, in revealing this, said the project was expected to benefit some 50,000 residents here.   “The project costs RM53.7 million and is expected to be completed in Feb next year.   “It will overcome the low water pressure problem that has been besetting the local residents. The project will come with facilities that will help increase the water pressure,” he said yesterday, adding that the two areas currently received their treated water from the water treatment plant in Asajaya.   “The plant is over 20 years old and is no longer efficient to support the water needs of the increasing population.   “The plant produces five million cubic litre daily but 40 per cent of that is lost due to leakage,” said the assemblyman. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02/23/low-water-pressure-soon-thing-of-the-past/#ixzz1oJZ2vpzi

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Proposal made to expand capacity of Slabi water treatment plants in Serian to another 50 million litres daily

KUCHING: A proposal has been submitted to the federal government for the capacity expansion of the capacity of Slabi water treatment plants (WTPs) in Serian to another 50 million litres daily (MLD). According to Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), the population in Serian town and nearby areas is actually receiving water supply from two plants — one with the design capacity of 50MLD and another, 10MLD. “Each WTP has its own raw water intake. On normal days, a combined production of 52MLD is sufficient to cater for the existing consumers in Serian town and nearby areas. However during drought, the level of the reservoir supplying raw water to Simunjan WTP would drop too low for the Simunjan WTP to operate. “Whenever this situation occurs, the Serian WTPs are required to produce a total of 57MLD to cater for Simunjan’s treated water demand, in addition to its normal demand,” the department said in a statement. In this respect, it disclosed that the state government had submitted the proposal to expand the plant in Slabi to the federal government to be considered for implementation under the 11th Malaysian Plan (11MP). It stressed that the expansion was necessary towards ensuring sufficient water supply for existing consumers in Serian and at the same time, extending the supply of treated water to more rural population within Serian Division. “In the meantime, the state government is also looking into refurbishing the existing plant at Serian to boost the production capacity, while awaiting the green light to proceed with the proposed 50MLD expansion,” said JBALB. On low water pressure experienced by residents of Kampung Pichin and Kampung Krusen, the department explained that there was a dry spell during Gawai Dayak celebration in June, resulting in low water level at the raw water intake for the 10MLD WTP. It said this, combined with the siltation problem at the same raw water intake, had rendered the raw water pump unable to deliver sufficient raw water to the 10MLD plant. “Consequently, output from the plant was less than 10MLD. This resulted in several areas such as Kampung Pichin and Kampung Krusen experiencing low water pressure and insufficient water (supply). However after clearing the siltation and with the improvement of the weather, the 10MLD plant is now performing as intended. Immediate improvement works on the raw water pump mains have also been carried out to increase the raw water pumping rate during low water level scenarios.” On the intermittent water supply at Kampung Taee, JBALB explained that this was due to pipeline dislocations at several sites along the distribution pipelines to that village, occurring at different days. “We conducted repair works on these dislocations as soon as they were identified. “However, as there were several dislocations and the duration over several days, it took some time for the water supply to return to normal. “These frequent dislocations are believed to be caused by earth movement as some stretches of the pipelines are located too near to the edge of earth drains. “These dislocations will also affect supply to other areas served by the Serian WTPs such as Kampung Pichin and Kampung Krusen. “We are currently looking into the best remedial option to address this issue,” it said. JBALB also revealed that other projects approved by the government for Serian Division included the rural water supply for Mentong Merau / Mongkos; feasibility study for the proposed development of raw water source for Samarahan (including Serian Division); balancing tank at Panchor Dayak, Serian; and integrated water supply master plan study for Samarahan (including Serian) Division. “We are also looking into pipeline renewal programme for Serian Division.” On another matter, the department also said Public Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom recently visited the Slabi plants, where he was briefed on the current status and future planning for Serian regional water supply. The minister was accompanied by Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus and Serian Resident Dahim Nadot.