Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure gains renewed momentum

Borneo Post

27-05-2025

Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian
KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure is seeing renewed momentum in 2025, with several long-delayed and newly approved projects now moving forward, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the federal government has approved a new sewerage rationalisation project in Bintulu for the North-South catchment with a scheme value of RM225 million.
'The project is currently at the federal government loan application stage and is expected to improve wastewater management in the rapidly growing division,' he said during his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
He also said that progress was also visible on earlier announced projects.
Among them is the Miri Centralised Sewerage System Phase 2, approved in 2022 and valued at RM450 million, which was designed to cater to an additional 50,000 residents in Piasau, Pujut and Krokop.
'It is now at the detailed design stage and is scheduled for tendering in the fourth quarter of this year.'
He also added that the Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 2, which began in September 2017 with a price tag of RM750 million, is nearly complete at 97.4 per cent.
He said the remaining works mainly involve connecting properties, and full completion is expected by the end of 2025.
'Looking ahead, Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 3 has also received federal approval with an estimated cost of RM382 million. The project is now in its preliminary design stage, with physical works expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2026.'
As for Kota Samarahan, he said Phase 1 of its centralised sewerage system, approved last year at a cost of RM650 million, was in the consultancy services procurement phase.
'Tendering for the physical works is slated for 2027 following the finalisation of the Federal government loan agreement.'
He said the long-shelved Septic Sludge Treatment Plants (SSTP) in Betong, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang, once suspended by the Federal Government in 2018, have been revived.
Despite now being implemented with a reduced scope due to rising costs, Dr Sim assured the core functions of these projects would remain intact.
He also said tenders for the Sarikei and Betong SSTPs were expected in June, while those for Kapit and Limbang were scheduled for the third quarter of this year.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim also addressed concerns raised by assemblymen regarding the ongoing implementation of the centralised wastewater management system, particularly in areas affected by the Kuching Package 2 project.
'As of April 30, a total of 323 property damage complaints have been lodged, with 287 cases resolved, three under repair, 29 pending resolution or negotiation, and four under assessment.
'Most of the complaints involve extended areas of homes such as kitchens, car porches and ground floor slabs. The project contractor has recently completed tunnelling and manhole construction along Jalan Semarak and has begun repairs on some of the damaged properties.
'Additional repair teams will be deployed progressively to address the remaining cases,' he said.
In response to concerns about sewage overflows in Bintulu, Dr Sim said investigations identified ageing infrastructure and vandalism of the pumping systems as the main causes.
Short-term efforts were now focused on repairing damaged sewer pipes and clearing blockages caused by improper waste disposal.
Apart from that, for long-term improvement, he said the state has applied for an estimated RM600 million in federal funding to rationalise the centralised sewerage system in Bintulu, upgrade outdated infrastructure and eliminate reliance on lifting and pump stations.
'Under the current RMK-12 RP5 plan, RM225 million has already been approved by the federal government for the project, and the loan agreement is now being finalised,' he said.
He said comprehensive measures, both immediate and long-term, were crucial to ensure public health, protect the environment, and support the continued urban growth of Sarawak's major towns and cities. central sewerage system Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting infrastructure