KUCHING: An initiative to synchronise energy and water resource management in Sarawak has been set in motion with the announcement of a new coordinating committee between the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) and the state government, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced this following a meeting with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The assembly aimed to align the strategic planning and execution of various programmes and projects, ensuring that the developmental benefits reach the citizens efficiently and effectively.
During his courtesy call on the Premier at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Fadillah, who also holds the portfolio as Minister of Petra, emphasised the importance of this collaborative effort in advancing Sarawak's infrastructure, particularly in the realms of energy and water.
Earlier, the DPM presided over a Coordination Meeting for the Kuching City Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) at the Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department.
This session provided him with detailed insights into the design of the RTB project, setting the stage for its implementation to meet community needs accurately.
Additionally, Fadillah visited Wisma Persekutuan for a comprehensive briefing on Sarawak's projects managed by the Federal government's implementing agencies.
He disclosed that under Petra, 46 projects have been sanctioned in the water sector for Sarawak, including 33 extensions and 13 new projects, amounting to a total investment of RM6.01 billion.
For 2024, RM298 million has been earmarked for these projects, covering areas like flood and coastal erosion protection, estuary conservation, and the development of water and sewage treatment facilities.