Water-system verification must come before a land-development application is submitted for planning approval in Sarawak, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Julaihi Narawi said on October 19. The requirement applies to developments including residential, commercial, industrial and government premises. Developers must obtain verification from Sarawak’s Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) or Sarawak Water for their proposed system design and the suitability of sites reserved for its facilities. Speaking during his ministerial winding-up at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Julaihi said the system includes storage tanks, booster pumping stations and related facilities that meet technical requirements. Verification is needed before the application goes through the Land and Survey Department to the State Planning Authority, and before engineering plans reach the Engineering Plan Committee. For a developer or landowner planning a project in Kuching or elsewhere in the state, that places water capacity and facility sites at the planning stage, rather than leaving them until the building design is far advanced. This is a reminder of the required approval sequence, not an announcement that every existing property must submit a fresh development application. Existing private and commercial premises have a separate responsibility: Julaihi urged owners to keep rooftop or ground-level storage tanks maintained and working, particularly for peak demand or supply disruptions. A development’s water-system design and the upkeep of an occupied property’s tank are different tasks, but both affect whether usable water reaches the premises.

Kuching's former state assembly building is 46% through its conversion into a performing arts centre, with completion targeted for June 2027. An Oct 2 site inspection put the RM247 million project ahead of schedule. Heavy construction is largely finished, and work is moving into the interior fit-out. The scheme also covers the adjoining Lapau Building, intended for restaurant and banquet use, and the former fountain area. The original golden glass mosaic roof will remain. That keeps a recognisable part of the old DUN building while its function changes from legislative business to performances and cultural activities. June 2027 is a construction target, not a confirmed public-opening or booking date. The centre could host cultural performances during the September 2027 SEA Games, but that programme is not settled. Its eventual name is also still undecided.

Sarawak plans to establish a dedicated authority to manage and develop its lake areas, including reservoirs created by dam projects, as part of the state’s development plans for the next five years. The proposal was announced in Betong on Sept 26. The lakes named for development include Batang Ai, Murum, Baleh, Bakun and Bengoh. The stated aim is to improve facilities and develop selected sites as tourism destinations. No name for the new authority, budget, implementation timetable or individual lake projects was announced, so the plan remains at the announcement stage rather than a set of scheduled works.

Balai Ringin’s satellite-town proposal cites a RM55 million GKCDA allocation. The idea was raised after the Jalan Melikin upgrading project was completed at Kampung Danau Keranggas on Aug 29. The stated aim is to organise future growth in the Serian Division and bring surrounding communities into the same development plan. The briefing also said an Integrated Emergency Centre in Pantu had been approved by the Sarawak Government. It mentioned a Youth Centre beside the mini stadium in a later phase and a digital hub at SMK Balai Ringin, expected to serve about 2,000 students with digital-skills, STEM, robotics and TVET programmes. The satellite-town plan, Youth Centre and digital hub still have no public implementation timetable, project lead or construction date. Citing the RM55 million allocation does not confirm that the satellite town is ready to begin construction.

A large RASCOM land handover could unlock long-delayed development plans in parts of Sibu Division. [image: 1785470790916-rascom_land_20260731.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune The federal Cabinet has agreed to give up federal rights over 3,655.60 hectares of Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) land to the Sarawak government. The areas named are Nanga Tada, Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun and Nanga Sekuau. Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana said three of the four affected resettlement areas are in Ngemah, and the handover should make planning easier for local needs. Why it matters Once the land comes under the Sarawak government, the focus can move to basic development that residents have been waiting for: roads, clean water, electricity, telco coverage, education, healthcare, housing and local economic opportunities. Anyi called it a historic decision, saying the issue had been raised repeatedly in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. Location: Ngemah / Sibu Division Details: 3,655.60 hectares of RASCOM land to be transferred to Sarawak government Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

[image: 1783645490067-tebedu.jpg] Construction has started on the RM5 million Dataran Mutiara Tebedu project, a new public square planned for the border town. The Borneo Post reported that the project is funded by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) and is scheduled for completion by Oct 10, 2027. What Tebedu will get The project will include an open-air stage with modern facilities, an agricultural produce trading area and retail stalls. Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada said the town had long needed a proper venue for major community programmes and public gatherings. He said the project is expected to support local economic activity and give residents a proper focal point for events. Location: Tebedu, Serian Division Details: Site handover was carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR) Serian to the appointed contractor on Wednesday. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?