Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid during the sixth day of the Second Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday explained the issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and the stability of the national water supply remain among the Ministry of Development’s (MoD) highest priorities through the Public Works Department (PWD).
NRW not only results in revenue losses, but also leads to wastage of treated water and increased operational costs.
In response to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman’s question on reeducation of NRW, the minister shared that as a key strategy, the PWD commenced the NRW Management Project Phase 3 on September 2, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 1, 2029.
The project builds on the success of Phase 2, under which the NRW rate was reduced from 45 per cent in 2020 to 32 per cent in 2022 in the project’s pilot areas, including Lambak Kanan, Tungku, Kilanas, Dedap and Gadong.
In addressing NRW, he said, “The MoD is adopting four strategic approaches where Firstly, through the NRW Phase 3 Project, with a key focus on developing smart network infrastructure, including the establishment of District Metered Areas to monitor and control water flows in real time.
“Secondly, the replacement of ageing water pipelines is being carried out through departmental allocations and the National Development Plan, prioritising identified hotspots.
“Thirdly, underground leak detection is being undertaken using digital acoustic sensor technology to identify hidden leaks. And fourthly, the replacement of ageing water meters is being carried out under the National Smart Energy and Water Management System to ensure accurate readings and minimise unaccounted-for water losses.
“The Department of Water Services is also actively carrying out maintenance works at water treatment plants and constructing booster pump houses to ensure adequate water pressure throughout the country, including rural and remote areas.”
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
