KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is now in the final phase of merging the three water utility agencies – Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management Sdn. Bhd. – into a single, more efficient and structured entity.

Sarawak’s Minister for Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the merger is one of the State Government’s strategic moves to streamline water supply management and enhance service delivery efficiency for the people across Sarawak.

“This consolidation process is now nearing completion and is expected to be officially launched by this coming June.

“The name of the new entity has also been finalised,” he said this when met at the 2025 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House hosted by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication along with its agencies, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday.

However, he clarified that the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is not yet part of this consolidation exercise.

This initiative is in line with the Sarawak Government’s goal of establishing a more efficient water supply system, particularly to ensure consistent and quality services for residents in both urban and rural areas.

In a related development, Dato Sri Julaihi also revealed that the Sarawak Government now holds a majority stake in SACOFA Sdn. Bhd. through its wholly owned investment arm, SFS Incorporated.

With a shareholding of over 51 per cent, SACOFA is now a fully state-owned agency, enabling the company to take on a greater role in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas.

The event was graced by the presence of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, accompanied by his wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, as well as members of the state cabinet and other honoured guests. - UKASnews