Latest news with #UtilityandTelecommunications
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak eyes 1,500MW solar energy production by 2030
File photo for illustration purposes SIBU (July 1): Sarawak aims to achieve a solar energy production capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW) by 2030, said Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. He disclosed that the Murum and Bakun dams have been identified as potential sites for future floating solar projects, and added that several keen investors had also been identified. 'The floating solar project at the Batang Ai Dam, with a 50MW capacity, has been operational since December 2024. 'The success of this project has opened up opportunities for the development of other Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects, including floating solar at the Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum dams,' he said. He said this when met by reporters after a ceremony to hand over the accreditation certificate to University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) as the certified Training and Examination Centre for Solar Photovoltaic System Design, here yesterday. In this regard, Julaihi said active participation from the private sector and the public is strongly encouraged to ensure that this target is achieved, thereby strengthening collective efforts toward a clean, safe, and competitive energy future. Additionally, he said the Sarawak government is targeting an electricity generation capacity of 10,000MW by 2030. 'As of now, the total energy we are generating stands at 5,898MW compared to the current demand of 4,897MW.' In his speech earlier, he mentioned that with a generation mix consisting of at least 60 per cent from renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, and biomass, this goal is part of the efforts to achieve Sarawak's aspiration of becoming the 'Battery of Asean'. Julaihi also shared about the Additional and Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan, where the Sarawak government had set aside RM315 million for its implementation. He said from Phase 1 to Phase 4, which is still ongoing, Alaf has benefitted over 21,000 households. 'The Sarawak government has approved RM550 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan to continue implementing Alaf projects, which are expected to benefit over 30,000 rural households,' he added. He also touched on how the amendment to the Electricity Ordinance 2023 has appointed Sarawak Energy as the Single Buyer. 'This amendment aims to facilitate the development and private sector investment in energy generation through renewable sources such as LSS, including floating solar at the Batang Ai Dam.' floating solar project julaihi narawi lead solar energy
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Orang Ulu heritage shines at 2025 Datun Julut, sape competition in Miri
Liwan strumming a Sape to mark the start of the competition, witnessed by others present. MIRI (June 13): The rich cultural heritage of the Orang Ulu community was on full display last night during the 2025 Datun Julut and Traditional Sape Competition. Held at the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (Forum) Cultural Centre, the event was part of the two-day Gawai Tradition Carnival. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Datuk Liwan Lagang in his officiating address, underscored the importance of preserving traditional art forms such as the Datun Julut dance and the melodious sounds of the Sape, which he described as vital symbols of the Orang Ulu identity and legacy. 'These are not just artistic performances. Datun Julut is a symbolic dance of gratitude, with graceful movements adorned in bird feathers, accompanied by the Sape, a soulful voice of tradition that stirs our spiritual being,' he said. He emphasised that the preservation of such cultural expressions is a shared responsibility, particularly for the younger generation, who will inherit both the land and its traditions. 'The beauty of Orang Ulu culture reflects the uniqueness of Sarawak, with its rich ethnic diversity and deeply rooted traditions. These must be safeguarded with deep respect, lest they fade with time,' he added. Liwan also highlighted that celebrations like Gawai are more than festive occasions. 'They serve as bridges of unity, bringing people of all backgrounds together through mutual appreciation of culture. 'Through this competition, we ignite the spirit of Segulai Sejalai – walking together in unity,' he said. The event saw participation from 20 groups competing in both the Datun Julut and Traditional Sape categories. In the Datun Julut category, team Julut Abung Apau Julan emerged as the champion, followed by Telang Usan Mada Lasan as first runner-up and Liwang Edang in third place. In the Traditional Sape competition, the duo of Garry Sandom Raymond and Aaron Alan Robert claimed the top prize. The sibling pair Robin Jalong Lusat and Yosua Lenjau Lusat secured second place, while Batu Emang and Logan Suli finished third. Also present at the event were the carnival's joint chairmen, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala; Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, and Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau. Datun Julut miri Orang Ulu sape
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak's rural water supply coverage now at 70.5%
KUCHING: Water supply coverage in Sarawak's rural areas has increased to 70.5 per cent, up from 60.9 per cent in 2018, according to state Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. He said that in urban areas, the coverage rate has reached 99 per cent, bringing the overall water supply coverage in Sarawak to 85.4 per cent to date. 'My ministry is actively developing an integrated water supply system across Sarawak, connecting the Southern, Central, and Northern regions,' he said during a winding-up session for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He said that in the southern region, which covers the Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong divisions, the water supply grid system involves the construction and upgrading of nine main water treatment plants, along with the installation of approximately 1,081 kilometres (km) of grid pipelines. 'So far, 311 km of pipelines have been completed, while the remaining 770 km are either under construction or in the planning stages to fully connect the southern region to the central region,' he said. He said that in the central region, covering the divisions of Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Kapit, work is ongoing to construct and upgrade 11 main water treatment plants, alongside the installation of 1,143 km of water grid pipelines. 'So far, 125 km of pipelines have been completed in the central region, while the remaining 1,018 km are currently under construction or scheduled for implementation to connect this area to the northern region,' he said, adding that the Limbang and Lawas divisions will be included in the project once the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) is completed. For the water supply grid system in the northern region (Bintulu, Miri and Limbang divisions), Julaihi said it involves the construction and upgrading of 12 main water treatment plants and the installation of an estimated 569 km of water grid pipelines. 'To date, 23 km of grid pipelines have been completed in the northern region, while another 546 km are under construction or planned for implementation. Once the entire grid system is completed, Sarawak's water supply coverage will be more comprehensive and resilient, ensuring long-term sustainability,' he added.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak's Rural Water Supply Coverage Now At 70.5 Pct
KUCHING, May 26 (Bernama) -- Water supply coverage in Sarawak's rural areas has increased to 70.5 per cent, up from 60.9 per cent in 2018, according to state Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. He said that in urban areas, the coverage rate has reached 99 per cent, bringing the overall water supply coverage in Sarawak to 85.4 per cent to date. 'My ministry is actively developing an integrated water supply system across Sarawak, connecting the Southern, Central, and Northern regions,' he said during a winding-up session for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He said that in the southern region, which covers the Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong divisions, the water supply grid system involves the construction and upgrading of nine main water treatment plants, along with the installation of approximately 1,081 kilometres (km) of grid pipelines. 'So far, 311 km of pipelines have been completed, while the remaining 770 km are either under construction or in the planning stages to fully connect the southern region to the central region,' he said. He said that in the central region, covering the divisions of Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Kapit, work is ongoing to construct and upgrade 11 main water treatment plants, alongside the installation of 1,143 km of water grid pipelines. 'So far, 125 km of pipelines have been completed in the central region, while the remaining 1,018 km are currently under construction or scheduled for implementation to connect this area to the northern region,' he said, adding that the Limbang and Lawas divisions will be included in the project once the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) is completed. For the water supply grid system in the northern region (Bintulu, Miri and Limbang divisions), Julaihi said it involves the construction and upgrading of 12 main water treatment plants and the installation of an estimated 569 km of water grid pipelines. 'To date, 23 km of grid pipelines have been completed in the northern region, while another 546 km are under construction or planned for implementation. Once the entire grid system is completed, Sarawak's water supply coverage will be more comprehensive and resilient, ensuring long-term sustainability,' he added.
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Lichok water treatment plant construction ahead of schedule, expects completion this Oct
Julaihi (left) with others at the new Lichok Water Treatment Plant site on Wednesday. – Photo via Facebook/Julaihi Narawi KUCHING (May 8): Residents in Kabong can look forward to a major boost in treated water supply when the new Lichok Water Treatment Plant is completed this October. Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, in a Facebook post, said the RM29 million plant which began construction last February will have a treatment capacity of 10 million litres per day (MLD). 'Currently, the existing Lichok plant produces 15 MLD of treated water, with the ability to increase up to 19 MLD during peak demand. 'Once the new plant is operational, the combined output will rise to 25 MLD, or up to 29 MLD if needed, ensuring a more stable and sufficient water supply for Kabong District,' he said following a site visit to the construction site with a team from the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) yesterday (May 7). Accompanying him were Kabong assemblyman Dato Mohd Chee Kadir, Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, State Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications Secretary Datu Jafri Lias, and JBALB Director Awg Fadilla Awg Raduan among others. He noted that the project is progressing well, with construction reaching 42 per cent completion currently, exceeding the projected schedule of 32 per cent. 'The Acute Water Supply System allows the project to be completed in less than a year. The entire initiative is fully funded by the Sarawak government,' he added. Julaihi explained that treated water from the Lichok plant is channelled to two main elevated storage tanks – one at Bukit Lebur with a capacity of 4.5 million litres and another in Kabong town with 3 million litres – before being distributed to homes and businesses. 'This development follows the near-completion of Package 1 of the Kabong District Water Supply Project, which includes 12 key components such as the construction of elevated water tanks and distribution pipelines. 'The package, with a budget of RM107.5 million, is also state-funded,' said Julaihi. jbalb julaihi narawi Lichok Water Treatment Plant
