KUCHING，8 June: Seven water supply projects implemented by state governments through federal loans are expected to be completed this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Speaking to reporters after a sacrificial ritual programme at residence of the community head of Tupong Jaya, Dawi Saifuddin, here today (June 8), Fadillah said the projects — funded under loan arrangements due to water being under state jurisdiction — are part of the government’s wider efforts to improve water infrastructure and security across Malaysia.
“The government is carrying out various projects. Nationwide, for this year alone, more than RM760 million has been allocated for water treatment plant projects.
“These projects are financed through loans because water is under state jurisdiction. For example, there are 12 projects in Sabah, two in Kedah, one in Kelantan, three in Pahang, three in Terengganu, five in Sarawak, and two in Perlis. These projects are at various stages,” he said.
He noted that while some projects are nearing completion, others are still in the design stage or undergoing tender processes.
“Four are still in the Notice of Change (NOC) process due to scope adjustments and require further approval from the Ministry of Economy,” he said.
Among the projects nearing completion is the expansion of the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant in Sabah, which will double its capacity from 80 million litres per day (MLD) to 160 MLD and include a new main pipeline and storage tank.
Other projects set to be completed this year include the upgrading of raw water and clean water pumps at the Arau Water Treatment Plant (Phases I to III) and the Guar Sanji Intake in Perlis, as well as improvements to the treated water supply at the Timah Tasoh Water Treatment Plant, also in Perlis.
Sarawak will see two major initiatives under the Sibu Water Board completed this year — a Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction programme and the rehabilitation of the distribution system.
Meanwhile, the installation of new reticulation water pipes in Kuala Terengganu and Marang, Terengganu, and urgent works at the Sg. Bilut Water Treatment Plant in Pahang to address turbidity issues are also among the seven slated for completion.