(Kuching, 26th) The Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) is stepping up efforts to explore alternative technologies to expand the coverage of clean water sources, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional methods still face challenges.
Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi emphasized that this initiative is crucial, as many inland communities still have difficulty obtaining a stable water supply through conventional means. He reiterated the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to basic amenities, including clean water.
"In Sarawak, urban areas are adequately supplied with water, but some remote areas are still difficult to reach. That is why we must adopt different technologies to provide water to these places, as traditional methods are no longer practical,” he said in a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
Julaihi made these remarks while leading a Sarawak delegation to the United Kingdom on an official visit to the Wessex Water Operations Centre, operated under the YTL Corporation.
He stated that Sarawak is ready to learn from successful international experiences, particularly from the private sector, to enhance its water management.
"I think now is the right time for us to draw on the best technologies and management approaches that Wessex Water employs. I know YTL Corporation has performed excellently in this area,” he said.
Julaihi added that while Sarawak’s water agencies remain state-owned and publicly funded, his ministry prioritizes efficiency and innovation to safeguard the public’s well-being.
During the visit, the delegation listened to presentations by representatives of the UK water company, covering topics such as operational performance, regulatory frameworks, resource management strategies, smart systems technology, and investment plans for 2025 to 2030.
The accompanying Sarawak delegation included: MUT Permanent Secretary Dato Jaferi Liyas, Sarawak Deputy State Financial Secretary Dato Hasmawati Shaibawie, MUT Water Supply Division Director Engineer George Lee Chun Lung, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Director Engineer Awang Fadillah, Acting CEO of Sarawak Water Supply Company Marsaini Jama, and MUT Management Services Division Director Radhuan Buji.
Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi emphasized that this initiative is crucial, as many inland communities still have difficulty obtaining a stable water supply through conventional means. He reiterated the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to basic amenities, including clean water.
"In Sarawak, urban areas are adequately supplied with water, but some remote areas are still difficult to reach. That is why we must adopt different technologies to provide water to these places, as traditional methods are no longer practical,” he said in a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
Julaihi made these remarks while leading a Sarawak delegation to the United Kingdom on an official visit to the Wessex Water Operations Centre, operated under the YTL Corporation.
He stated that Sarawak is ready to learn from successful international experiences, particularly from the private sector, to enhance its water management.
"I think now is the right time for us to draw on the best technologies and management approaches that Wessex Water employs. I know YTL Corporation has performed excellently in this area,” he said.
Julaihi added that while Sarawak’s water agencies remain state-owned and publicly funded, his ministry prioritizes efficiency and innovation to safeguard the public’s well-being.
During the visit, the delegation listened to presentations by representatives of the UK water company, covering topics such as operational performance, regulatory frameworks, resource management strategies, smart systems technology, and investment plans for 2025 to 2030.
The accompanying Sarawak delegation included: MUT Permanent Secretary Dato Jaferi Liyas, Sarawak Deputy State Financial Secretary Dato Hasmawati Shaibawie, MUT Water Supply Division Director Engineer George Lee Chun Lung, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Director Engineer Awang Fadillah, Acting CEO of Sarawak Water Supply Company Marsaini Jama, and MUT Management Services Division Director Radhuan Buji.