(Kuching, DEC 16) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof pointed out that non-revenue water is one of the main challenges affecting the continuous access to clean water sources for consumers and industry.
He stated that the Federal Ministry of Energy and Water Transformation will implement critical water pipeline replacement plans in six states, including Sarawak, and take comprehensive measures to solve the non-revenue water problem.
He said that to address this issue, the federal government has launched two key measures, namely providing funding support for the replacement of old and leaking water pipelines in states with higher levels of non-revenue water, and establishing a subsidy program to reimburse 50% of the costs to states that successfully reduce non-revenue water.
Datuk Fadillah Yusof said in a speech at a media night organized by the Federal Ministry of Energy and Water Transformation last night that Sarawak, along with Sabah, Kelantan, Pahang, Perlis, and Labuan Federal Territory, has been classified as first-class states to receive funding support for replacing those old water pipelines that have been in use for more than 50 years.
He disclosed that these aging pipelines cause a significant waste of clean water resources due to leaks and illegal connections.
He said the federal government is providing loan support for sewage treatment projects.
He remarked that these measures have had a significant impact on Sarawak, especially in Kuching, where several sewage treatment projects and major pipeline upgrade works are currently underway.
“The third phase of the project will cover parts of North Kuching City, South Kuching City, and other relevant areas.”
After the media night, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof (front row, right 5) took a group photo with the media.