Trusan Plans Construction of 50 Million Liter Water Plant to Enhance Supply Capacity and Secure Water Sources

(Lawas, 7 July) — A new water treatment plant capable of producing 50 million liters (50 MLD) of clean water per day is planned for construction in Trusan, strengthening local and surrounding area water security and providing a long-term solution for growing water demand and future development.

According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stated that the proposed plant will increase clean water production capacity and improve the stability and reliability of the existing water supply system.

He said that careful consideration must be given to the location for raw water intake to ensure the plant’s continued operation and its ability to handle river hydrological changes.

“Although preliminary studies have commenced, we still need to reassess the raw water intake location to prevent similar future issues.” He made these remarks during his visit to the Lawas Trusan Regional Water Treatment Plant on August 6.

Awang Tengah pointed out that the Sarawak government is also implementing immediate measures to address problems with the current raw water intake system.

These measures include conducting repairs as well as taking temporary mitigation steps before the long-term solution is realized.

He said that all related actions must be expedited to ensure residents have stable water supply and to facilitate smooth development of water infrastructure.

The Trusan Water Treatment Plant is part of Sarawak's ongoing effort to enhance basic infrastructure, especially focused on improving the water supply system to support economic development and improve people's well-being.

Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit residents of Trusan and nearby areas by increasing clean water supply capacity and improving the continuity and risk-resilience of the water supply system.

Attendees included Deputy Minister of Utility and Communication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Limbang Division Resident Yunus Tambi, North Sarawak Development Agency (NRDA) Regional Director Datuk Ubaidillah Abdul Latif, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Deputy Director of Development Tamida Daadi, and Sarawak Premier's Political Secretary Awangku Jinar Abidin Datuk Pengiran.

Meanwhile, according to TVS, Awang Tengah said that changes in weather causing river course shifts is one of the primary reasons for water supply disruptions in Lawas District and may affect Trusan Water Treatment Plant operations.

He said that riverbank erosion and sediment buildup near the plant’s intake station are impeding water flow into the intake facility.

As a result, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) has been instructed to take immediate action, including realigning the river course and removing sand and sediment blocking the intake in order to restore water supply.

At the same time, JBALB stated that several emergency measures will be taken, including constructing a diversion bund near the intake station and erecting a temporary floating bridge to facilitate conveying river water to the Trusan Water Treatment Plant.