Ahmad Zahid (centre) presents the note to Abang Johari while (from left) Jafri, Mohd Abu Bakar, Julaihi, Uggah and Rubiah, witness. – Information Department photo
KUCHING (April 14): The Sarawak government has formally taken over the implementation of rural water supply projects from the federal government in a move aimed at speeding up the delivery of clean water to rural and interior areas across the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this after receiving a courtesy call from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Petra Jaya here.
During the event, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, handed over the note on the implementation of 80 rural water supply projects to the Sarawak Premier.
The transfer of responsibility from the ministry to the state government marks a significant step in strengthening efforts to provide basic amenities, particularly to remote and rural communities that still lack reliable access to treated water.
Ahmad Zahid, who was on an official working visit to Sarawak, said the focus is on improving coordination and accelerating infrastructure development projects.
Earlier, he chaired a coordination meeting with the Sarawak government to ensure smoother implementation of rural water supply projects and to enhance delivery efficiency.
The meeting also discussed measures to expedite the rollout of clean water supply to affected areas.
Also present at the courtesy call on the Sarawak premier event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Rural and Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and, Permanent Secretary to the State Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datu Jafri Lias.
