Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd. launched to improve water services
- BT
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 27 August 2025 – Sarawak has taken a major step forward in improving water supply services with the official launch of Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd. The historic launch of Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd. was officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
The new company will manage water services across Sarawak, including both urban and rural areas in the southern, central, and northern regions. It was created to support Sarawak’s long-term development goals under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint (SDEB) 2030.
“The Sarawak Government has planned the establishment of this water supply company to improve water services that are more effective and efficient for the people, in line with PCDS 2030 and SDEB 2030. Today marks a historic moment for Sarawak as we witness the formation of a single entity to manage water supply services, especially in urban and rural areas, including the Southern, Central, and Northern regions of Sarawak,” the Premier said in his speech at the launching ceremony.
“By providing continuous and sustainable water facilities, Sarawak Water will help build confidence among local and international investors, thereby strengthening Sarawak’s position as a competitive investment destination in the region,” he continued.
The Premer said that despite facing various challenges such as climate change, difficult geographical conditions, and scattered small populations in Sarawak’s interior, which make water supply efforts more difficult, and the high financial costs involved, the Sarawak Government remains committed to ensuring the people enjoy clean, safe, and continuous water supply.
“This commitment reflects the Sarawak Government’s intention to always prioritize the well-being of the people,” he said.
Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd. is now the single company in charge of water supply services, formed by merging three existing agencies. The merger officially took effect on Aug 1, 2025. All staff from Kuching Water Board (KWB) and Sibu Water Board (SWB) have been invited to join the new company, and operations in their areas continue as usual.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, when speaking at the launching ceremony, said, “This launch is a historic moment in Sarawak where KWB, SWB, and LAKU Management Sdn. Bhd. (LAKU) are merged into a single entity, Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd., known as Sarawak Water. Sarawak Water is fully owned by the Sarawak Government through SFS Incorporated.”
While Sarawak Water will manage water services, the Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar (JBALB) will continue building water infrastructure in rural areas. The goal is to improve water coverage, which currently stands at over 99% in urban areas, around 71% in rural areas, and 85.6% overall across Sarawak.
“I believe that with the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid, we will be able to achieve full water supply coverage in Sarawak by the year 2030,” said Julaihi.
To reach full coverage by 2030, Sarawak needs more than RM20 billion. Major projects include new water treatment plants and supply systems in areas like Landeh, Nyabau, Beluru, Samalaju, Trusan, and Lawas.
The Sarawak Government has approved RM1.1 billion to replace 2,740 kilometres of old water pipes over five years. This programme started in late 2024 and is still ongoing. The Sarawak Government has also approved financial allocation amounting to RM1.1 billion to upgrade and replace old/deteriorated water pipes spanning 2,740 kilometres across Sarawak.
In areas with enough raw water, new treatment plants using the Acute Water Treatment Plant model are being built to meet urgent needs. Remote communities also benefit from the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme.
Meanwhile, the event also witnessed the launch of the Sarawak Water mobile app by the Premier of Sarawak. The app is aimed at helping users monitor their daily water usage and pay bills online more easily. The signing of the Concession Agreement and Water Supply Management Licence between the Sarawak Government and Sarawak Water followed.
