The transfer of 80 rural water supply projects from the federal government to the Sarawak state government in April 2026 represents a watershed moment in Malaysia’s approach to rural water infrastructure development. Valued at RM3.47 billion, this handover encompasses both new and ongoing initiatives under the Rural Water Supply Programme, marking a fundamental shift in implementation strategy and governance. The Deputy Prime Minister has characterised this transfer as a “game changer” that will accelerate delivery and resolve long-standing constraints affecting project execution. This analysis critically examines the significance of this policy shift, situates it within Sarawak’s six (6) decade journey toward universal water coverage, and evaluates its implications through the dual lenses of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The analysis further incorporates the vision and aspirations articulated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, whose leadership has fundamentally reshaped the state’s water infrastructure trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historical Trajectory of Water Supply in Sarawak Since 1963<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, fewer than 30 percent of its population had access to piped water services. This stark figure reflected the state’s challenging topography, which encompasses dense tropical rainforests, rugged highlands, extensive river systems, and widely dispersed settlements across approximately 124,000 square kilometres. The Public Works Department had been entrusted with water supply construction and maintenance since 1882, but its capacity to deliver comprehensive coverage across such challenging terrain remained severely constrained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the implementation of the Sarawak Urban Water Supply Programme, which significantly improved services in major towns and cities. This period saw the expansion of water treatment facilities and distribution networks in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and other urban centres. In Kuching alone, the water supply coverage area expanded from merely 45 square kilometres in 1959 to over 730 square kilometres in subsequent decades. However, this urban-focused development strategy inadvertently widened the disparity between urban and rural water access, creating a geographical divide that persists to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The turn of the millennium brought increased attention to rural water supply through the National Key Result Area programme, which saw the completion of 393 rural water supply projects benefiting over 47,000 households out of 477 planned initiatives. Despite these efforts, the geographical and logistical challenges of reaching remote communities meant that progress remained incremental rather than transformational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contemporary Water Coverage Landscape<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As of 2025, Sarawak has achieved an overall water supply coverage rate of 85.4 percent, with urban coverage reaching 99 percent while rural coverage stands at 70.5 percent. This represents a significant improvement from the 61.9 percent rural coverage recorded in 2018, demonstrating tangible progress over the preceding seven (7) years. Alternative sources indicate urban coverage exceeding 99 percent, rural coverage at 71 percent, and overall state coverage at 85.6 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The urban-rural disparity remains the defining challenge of Sarawak’s water infrastructure. While city dwellers in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri enjoy reliable access to treated water, thousands of rural households across the state continue to depend on alternative sources, including rainwater collection, untreated river water, and groundwater wells. This inequity carries profound implications for public health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic development in rural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari\u2019s Vision and Aspirations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari has articulated a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for Sarawak’s water sector that extends beyond mere coverage targets to encompass sustainability, economic competitiveness, and technological innovation. At the launch of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd in August 2025, he emphasised that apart from quality human resources, the two (2) primary factors attracting investment to Sarawak are water and energy. This strategic framing positions water infrastructure not merely as a public utility but as a foundational pillar of economic development and foreign direct investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Premier has committed approximately RM10 billion toward implementing comprehensive piping systems and water treatment plants throughout the state, with the explicit objective of achieving full water supply coverage by 2030. This allocation covers the replacement of ageing and leaking pipes, the development and upgrading of water treatment facilities, and the implementation of an integrated water grid system connecting major treatment plants across the state. He stated that the allocation would be channelled in stages, with priority given to densely populated areas and remote communities that previously faced difficulties in obtaining clean water supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari’s vision encompasses several strategic dimensions. First, he has championed the consolidation of water management entities into a single state-owned company, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, which merges the formerly separate Kuching Water Board, Sibu Water Board, and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd. This institutional restructuring aims to achieve more effective organisational management, better asset management, financial sustainability, and enhanced customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, the Premier has emphasised sustainable water management and water recycling as essential components of Sarawak’s green economy agenda. He has stated that water resource management should not rely solely on natural resources but should incorporate recycling and innovative technologies to ensure every drop is fully utilised. In residential developments in Santubong, the state government has promoted houses equipped with dedicated rainwater collection systems and storage tanks, with treated water capable of being reused for various purposes as part of what he terms recycled and regenerated water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari has positioned dam safety and management as a strategic imperative underpinning the state’s sustainable development pathway under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. He has articulated that dam safety management is no longer merely an engineering requirement but a strategic imperative that underpins the state’s sustainable development path. The Premier has also committed to certifying Sarawak’s major hydropower plants under the international Hydropower Sustainability Standard by 2030, ensuring alignment with global best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fourth, speaking at the 2025 International Water Association Development Congress and Exhibition in Bangkok, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari declared that Sarawak is adopting innovative and pragmatic strategies to accelerate the achievement of full water supply coverage and expand renewable energy use, in alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals. He identified water as a key resource driving Sarawak’s future development, noting that water is not only essential for daily life but also supports the state’s green energy ambitions, including hydropower and hydrogen production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Takeover of Rural Water Projects: Critical Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The formal transfer of 80 rural water supply projects from federal to state jurisdiction, effective April 2026, represents a structural reconfiguration of governance in Malaysia’s water sector. The handover encompasses 50 projects currently in the implementation phase, nine (9) already implemented, 20 completed and in post-implementation stages, and one (1) cancelled project. Under the new arrangement, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department assumes full responsibility for project execution, with the explicit objective of expediting clean water delivery to rural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The strategic rationale underlying this transfer merits careful examination. Deputy Prime Minister has been unequivocal in his characterisation of the move as a “game changer in terms of execution and coordination” that empowers the appropriate party to deliver faster results for the people. The federal Cabinet decision of March 17, 2025, to transfer implementation responsibility reflects an acknowledgement that state-level agencies possess superior contextual knowledge, operational proximity, and administrative agility to navigate the unique challenges of Sarawak’s terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The significance of this transfer extends beyond administrative convenience. It represents a fundamental recognition that centralised, top-down approaches to rural infrastructure development have proven inadequate in addressing the distinctive geographical and logistical complexities of East Malaysia. The federal government has acknowledged that rising costs due to current economic conditions remain a key challenge in executing rural water supply projects in Sarawak. By transferring implementation authority to the state government while maintaining federal funding commitments, the arrangement seeks to reconcile the financial resources of the federal government with the operational efficiency of state-level execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For 2026, an allocation of RM141.87 million has been provided under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13th<\/sup> Malaysia Plan. The federal government has further approved RM6 billion worth of water and sewerage projects for Sarawak under the 13th<\/sup> Malaysia Plan, with RM195.6 million allocated for 2026, representing an increase of more than 53 percent compared to 2025. This substantial financial commitment underscores the federal government’s continued responsibility for funding while devolving implementation authority to the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulatory and procedural bottlenecks that previously hampered progress are being addressed through collaborative negotiations involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, and relevant technical agencies. The Deputy Prime Minister has emphasised that the approach seeks to streamline requirements without breaching existing laws and financial regulations, maintaining that the paramount consideration is that the people benefit from a reliable water supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a critical perspective, this transfer raises several important considerations. The effectiveness of the new arrangement will depend significantly on the institutional capacity of the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department to absorb and manage a substantially expanded project portfolio. The department must demonstrate the human resources, technical expertise, and project management capabilities to accelerate implementation while maintaining quality standards. Furthermore, the cost escalation challenges acknowledged by the federal government may necessitate additional funding mechanisms beyond current allocations, particularly given that achieving full coverage by 2030 is estimated to require more than RM20 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The transfer also illuminates broader questions about federal-state relations in infrastructure development. While water supply constitutionally falls under state jurisdiction, the federal government has historically played a significant role in funding and coordination. This new arrangement may serve as a template for other states facing similar implementation challenges, particularly in Sabah, where comparable geographical constraints and coverage gaps exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Factors Impeding Universal Coverage and Contributing to Water Disruptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite significant progress over the past six (6) decades, several interrelated factors explain why Sarawak has not yet achieved universal water coverage and why water disruptions remain a persistent challenge for many communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geographical and topographical constraints constitute the most fundamental barrier. Sarawak’s landmass is characterised by dense tropical rainforest, mountainous terrain in the interior, extensive river networks, and widely dispersed settlements that make conventional piped water infrastructure prohibitively expensive on a per-capita basis. The Premier has acknowledged that Sarawak’s unique geographical conditions present challenges for water infrastructure development, with rugged terrain in areas such as Baram rendering traditional pipeline water supply impractical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infrastructure ageing and system inefficiencies represent a second critical factor. The state has allocated RM1.1 billion to upgrade and replace 2,740 kilometres of ageing and worn-out pipes across Sarawak. Non-revenue water, defined as treated water that fails to reach consumers due to pipe leakages, inefficient system connections, and illegal tapping, remains a significant concern. In Sibu, non-revenue water losses reportedly stand at 48.5 percent, meaning nearly half of all treated water is lost before reaching consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Financial constraints present a third significant challenge. The Minister for Utility and Telecommunication has indicated that achieving full water coverage by 2030 will require more than RM20 billion in investment. While substantial allocations have been made, including nearly RM6 billion approved since 2018 and RM10 billion committed toward the water grid and treatment plants by 2030, the funding gap remains considerable. The federal government has allocated RM796.4 million in loans to state governments in 2025 to finance various water supply projects nationwide, but the scale of Sarawak’s requirements exceeds available resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climate change and environmental factors are increasingly exacerbating water supply challenges. The Premier has noted that global climate change presents significant challenges to water resources, with increasing extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts and severe flooding, threatening water supply and impacting infrastructure and local communities. Sarawak has taken proactive measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation, including flood mitigation plans in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri to control flooding and protect water supply infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Demand-side pressures compound supply-side constraints. In some areas, water demand is exceeding current production capacity, with reports indicating that in certain locations, demand of 195 million litres per day outstrips supply of 195 million litres per day. Population growth and economic development continue to drive increased water consumption, necessitating ongoing expansion of treatment capacity and distribution networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Strategic Responses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan, completed in 2021 and coordinated by the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit, provides a comprehensive framework for addressing water supply challenges through 2070. The plan encompasses three (3) strategic thrusts: water demand management, treatment and distribution, and the quality and adequacy of both raw and treated water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The master plan envisions an integrated water grid system linking all major treatment plants across Sarawak, connecting the southern, central, and northern regions of the state. In the southern region covering Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong divisions, the grid involves the construction and upgrading of nine (9) major water treatment plants and the installation of approximately 1,081 kilometres of grid pipelines. Notable achievements include the upgrading of Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant in Kuching from 764 million litres per day to 868 million litres per day, Slabi Water Treatment Plant in Serian from 60 million litres per day to 110 million litres per day, and Bayai Water Treatment Plant in Sri Aman from 33 million litres per day to 53 million litres per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The central region covering Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, and Kapit divisions involves the construction and upgrading of eleven major water treatment plants and approximately 1,143 kilometres of grid pipelines. Completed projects include the Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant in Mukah with a capacity of 30 million litres per day, the upgrading of Bayong Water Treatment Plant in Sarikei from 70 million litres to 100 million litres per day, and the upgrading of Basong Water Treatment Plant in Mukah from 15 million litres to 60 million litres per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For remote communities beyond the reach of the grid system, the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply Programme, launched in 2017, provides off-grid solutions including solar-powered water pumps, gravity-fed systems, community-based rainwater harvesting, and dedicated water filtration plants. This programme has benefited approximately 2,600 households in 79 villages across Sarawak. The Premier has noted that these alternative approaches successfully provide reliable water supply to remote communities where conventional piped infrastructure is not feasible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarawak’s water infrastructure initiatives align directly with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The Premier has explicitly framed the state’s water strategy within the SDG framework, stating that Sarawak is adopting innovative and pragmatic strategies to accelerate full water supply coverage and expand renewable energy use in alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The progress toward SDG 6 targets is measurable. The increase in overall water coverage from less than 30 percent in 1963 to 85.4 percent in 2025 represents a substantial advancement. Rural coverage has increased from 61.9 percent in 2018 to 70.5 percent in 2025, demonstrating accelerated progress in recent years. The state government’s target of achieving 100 percent coverage by 2030 would represent full alignment with the SDG 6 timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International partnerships further reinforce this alignment. The Clean Water Access for Rural Communities pilot project, announced at COP29, aims to provide clean water in rural Sarawak with plans for scalable expansion across the state. The Yayasan PETRONAS Clean Water Project, which has provided clean filtered water to households in Kampung Yoh, Bintulu, and Kampung Lakutan, Lawas, is explicitly aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the national level, Malaysia is projected to achieve 49 percent progress toward the SDGs by 2030, significantly exceeding the global average of 18 percent. Sarawak’s contribution to this national achievement is substantial, particularly in the water and sanitation domain, where the state’s ambitious infrastructure programmes are driving measurable improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ESG Considerations in Sarawak’s Water Sector<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The consolidation of water management under Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and the state’s broader water infrastructure strategy incorporates significant Environmental, Social, and Governance dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the environmental dimension, Sarawak has committed to certifying its major hydropower plants under the international Hydropower Sustainability Standard by 2030, ensuring alignment with global best practices across environmental, social, and governance criteria. The Bakun Hydroelectric Project, Southeast Asia’s largest hydropower plant with 2,520 megawatts of capacity, has been awarded Silver certification under this standard, recognising the project’s progress in embedding sustainability practices across ESG areas. The Premier has emphasised that dam safety and well-managed dams are at the heart of the state’s shift toward renewable power and water resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The state’s commitment to water recycling and circular economy principles represents another significant environmental initiative. The Premier has stated that Sarawak is committed to sustainable water management and implementing water recycling measures as innovative initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability and drive the state’s green economic development. This approach reduces pressure on raw water resources and contributes to broader environmental sustainability objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the social dimension, the water infrastructure programme directly addresses rural-urban equity and inclusive development. The transfer of rural water projects to state jurisdiction, coupled with the RM3.47 billion allocation for rural water supply, demonstrates prioritisation of marginalised rural communities. The Sarawak Alternative Water Supply Programme specifically targets isolated settlements that would otherwise remain beyond the reach of conventional infrastructure, addressing the social justice dimension of water access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The governance dimension is evidenced by the institutional consolidation creating Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd as a single state-owned water supply entity. This merger of formerly separate agencies into a unified operator represents a governance reform designed to achieve more effective organisational management, better asset management, financial sustainability, and enhanced customer satisfaction. The creation of a dedicated water entity with professional management and clear accountability structures strengthens the governance framework for water service delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International and Regional Context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Placing Sarawak’s water coverage trajectory within the international and regional context provides a perspective on the scale of achievement and remaining challenges. Across Asia and the Pacific, approximately 42 percent of the rural population has access to a piped water supply as of 2025, representing a significant improvement from 2013 levels. Sarawak’s rural coverage of 70.5 percent substantially exceeds this regional average, though the state’s urban coverage of 99 percent aligns with global benchmarks for middle-income economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The challenges confronting Sarawak mirror those faced by other developing economies in Southeast Asia. Rural areas throughout the region face more severe challenges, with many communities\u2019 lacking basic infrastructure for clean water access and relying on unsafe sources such as rivers, unprotected wells, or rainwater collection. Climate change is impacting the accessibility and quality of water resources across the region, requiring larger investments to establish sustainable and efficient supply systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vietnam has established targets to ensure 80 percent of rural households have access to water meeting quality standards by 2030, with capacity building for water supply units and resolution of water shortages in difficult, polluted, and salinity-affected areas. Thailand, with its more advanced infrastructure, reports higher rural water coverage levels, though disparities persist in remote border regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarawak’s approach of combining grid expansion with off-grid alternative solutions offers a model applicable to other geographically challenging regions. The integration of solar-powered systems, gravity-fed supplies, and rainwater harvesting alongside conventional piped infrastructure provides a template for addressing the diverse needs of dispersed rural populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The transfer of 80 rural water supply projects to the Sarawak state government represents a significant institutional innovation in Malaysia’s water governance framework. By devolving implementation authority to the level of government best positioned to navigate local geographical and logistical complexities while maintaining federal financial commitments, this arrangement offers a pragmatic pathway to accelerated rural water access. The characterisation of this transfer as a “game changer” reflects the recognition that conventional centralised approaches have proven inadequate for addressing the unique challenges of Sarawak’s terrain and settlement patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarawak’s water supply trajectory since 1963 demonstrates remarkable progress, with overall coverage increasing from less than 30 percent to over 85 percent. The acceleration of rural coverage from 62 percent in 2018 to over 70 percent in 2025 indicates that recent policy interventions and investment commitments are yielding tangible results. However, the remaining gap to universal coverage, the persistence of water disruptions, and the significant financial requirements exceeding RM20 billion underscore the magnitude of work still required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari\u2019s vision for Sarawak’s water sector articulates a comprehensive and forward-looking framework that extends beyond basic service provision to encompass economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. His leadership in consolidating water management entities, committing substantial financial resources, and embedding sustainability principles into water infrastructure development has fundamentally reshaped the state’s approach to this critical sector. His emphasis on water as both a fundamental human need and a strategic economic asset positions water infrastructure as central to Sarawak’s broader development ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The alignment of Sarawak’s water strategy with SDG 6 and ESG principles demonstrates that infrastructure development and sustainability objectives are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing. The certification of hydropower projects under international sustainability standards, the commitment to water recycling, and the prioritisation of rural communities reflect a holistic approach that balances economic development with environmental stewardship and social equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Achieving 100 percent water coverage by 2030 will require sustained political commitment, continued financial investment, effective project implementation, and ongoing adaptation to emerging challenges, including climate change and population growth. The transfer of rural water projects to state jurisdiction, coupled with the comprehensive Water Supply Master Plan and the Premier’s strategic vision, provides a solid foundation for meeting this ambitious target. The international community will watch with interest as Sarawak pursues its goal of becoming one (1) of the first regions in Southeast Asia to achieve universal access to safe and sustainable water supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. (2026, April 14). Rural water supply projects worth RM3.4 billion handed over to Sarawak to expedite implementation. Bernama. https:\/\/www.bernama.com\/tv\/news.php?id=2544700<\/p>\n\n\n\n Borneo Post. (2026, April 14). Sarawak takes over 80 rural water projects from federal govt. The Borneo Post. https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2026\/04\/14\/sarawak-takes-over-80-rural-water-projects-from-federal-govt\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n Borneo Post. (2026, April 14). Zahid: Transferring RM3.47 bln rural water supply projects to Sarawak govt ‘game changer’, will accelerate delivery. The Borneo Post. https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2026\/04\/14\/zahid-transferring-rm3-47-bln-rural-water-supply-projects-to-sarawak-govt-game-changer-will-accelerate-delivery\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n DayakDaily. (2025, July 20). Clean water now flows into homes of over 100 Kampung Yoh villagers in Bintulu. DayakDaily. https:\/\/dayakdaily.com\/clean-water-now-flows-into-homes-of-over-100-kampung-yoh-villagers-in-bintulu\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. (2025, September 3). Bakun Hydroelectric Plant awarded Silver HSS certification. https:\/\/www.hs-alliance.org\/news\/bakun-hydroelectric-plant-silver-hss-certification<\/p>\n\n\n\n Julaihi Narawi. (2025, May 26). Rural water supply coverage at 70.5 pct, 99 pct in urban areas. The Borneo Post. https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2025\/05\/26\/julaihi-rural-water-supply-coverage-at-70-5-pct-99-pct-in-urban-areas\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malay Mail. (2025, August 26). Abang Johari: RM10b set aside for Sarawak water grid, treatment plants statewide, with aim of full coverage by 2030. Malay Mail. https:\/\/www.malaymail.com\/news\/malaysia\/2025\/08\/26\/abang-johari-rm10b-set-aside-for-sarawak-water-grid-treatment-plants-statewide-with-aim-of-full-coverage-by-2030\/188994<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak. (2025, July 31). Julaihi: Sarawak to press on with master plan for 100 pct water coverage by 2030. https:\/\/mut.sarawak.gov.my\/web\/subpage\/news_view\/746<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak. (2025, August 27). Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd launched, merging KWB, SWB and LAKU into single state entity. https:\/\/mut.sarawak.gov.my\/web\/subpage\/news_view\/749<\/p>\n\n\n\n See Hua Daily News. (2024, October 23). \u7802\u903e90%\u57ce\u5e02\u4eba\u53e3\u4eab\u5e72\u51c0\u6c34 \u603b\u7406\uff1a\u6c34\u4f9b\u8ba1\u5212\u53d6\u5f97\u6210\u679c [Over 90% of Sarawak’s urban population enjoys clean water: Premier says water supply plan yields results]. https:\/\/news.seehua.com\/post\/1235442<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sin Chew Daily. (2025, December 9). \u963f\u90a6\u4f50\uff1a\u8ba9\u5404\u793e\u533a\u83b7\u6e05\u6d01\u6c34\u6e90 \u780285\uff05\u4eba\u53e3\u4eab\u81ea\u6765\u6c34\u4f9b\u5e94 [Abang Johari: Ensuring every community gets clean water, 85% of Sarawak’s population enjoys piped water supply]. https:\/\/sarawak.sinchew.com.my\/news\/20251209\/sarawak\/7096288<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Star. (2025, November 5). Sarawak to certify main hydropower plants under int’l standards by 2030. The Star. https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/news\/nation\/2025\/11\/05\/sarawak-to-certify-main-hydropower-plants-under-int039l-standards-by-2030<\/p>\n\n\n\n TVS. (2025, August 27). \u7802\u63a8\u884c\u6c34\u5faa\u73af\u5229\u7528 \u652f\u6301\u7eff\u8272\u7ecf\u6d4e\u53d1\u5c55 [Sarawak implements water recycling to support green economic development]. https:\/\/www.tvsarawak.my\/2025\/08\/27\/\u7802\u63a8\u884c\u6c34\u5faa\u73af\u5229\u7528-\u652f\u6301\u7eff\u8272\u7ecf\u6d4e\u53d1\u5c55\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n United Nations. (2025). Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation. United Nations Malaysia. https:\/\/malaysia.un.org\/en\/sdgs\/6<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Sarawak government’s takeover of federal rural water projects accelerates delivery toward Premier Sarawak’s 2030 universal coverage vision, addressing six (6) decades of geographic and infrastructure challenges through integrated grid systems and sustainable management practices aligned with global development goals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":953,"featured_media":23648,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,2,3385,46],"tags":[5887,5935,5840,3323,861,2742,1954,3701,5934,2523],"class_list":["post-29169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-from-rakan-sarawak","category-featured","category-milestones","category-rencana","tag-coverage","tag-datuk-patinggi-tan-sri-dr-abang-haji-abdul-rahman-zohari","tag-equity","tag-grid","tag-infrastructure","tag-rural","tag-sarawak","tag-sustainability","tag-takeover","tag-water"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/953"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29169"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29170,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29169\/revisions\/29170"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}