Putrajaya hands over 80 rural water supply projects, costing RM3.47 billion, to Sarawak government

KUCHING, April 14 2026: The federal government today handed over the implementation of 80 rural water supply projects worth RM3.47 billion to the Sarawak government to accelerate access to clean water supply, especially in rural areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) said the handover to the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is to accelerate the implementation of projects that were previously implemented under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans.

"Of the total 80 projects, 50 projects are currently under implementation, nine have been completed, 20 are at the post-implementation stage while one project has been cancelled," he said in a press conference after chairing the rural water supply project coordination committee meeting today.

He stressed that both governments agreed to prioritise solutions over blaming any party, including reviewing existing regulations that could potentially delay the implementation of the project.

He said that the handover process also involved close consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and related agencies to ensure smooth implementation without compromising legal aspects.

At the same time, he welcomed the approach proposed by the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications which emphasized efficiency of implementation without neglecting regulatory compliance.

“Sarawak has its own plan to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030, and so far the implementation by the state government has reached about 93 percent, a very encouraging achievement,” he explained.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the federal Minister of Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the federal Cabinet has agreed to hand over the rural water project to the Sarawak government in the Cabinet Meeting on March 17, 2026.

A total of RM141.87 million was also allocated under the First Rolling Plan (RP1), 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the year 2026 to support the smooth implementation of the project.

This step to empower the state government is expected to accelerate access to clean water supply across the board, thus improving the quality of life of rural communities in Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Julaihi Narawi and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Rubiah Wang as well as Heads of Departments.