SIBU (Aug 15, 2013): Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Ongkili made a working visit to the Sibu Water Board (SWB) where he was briefed by SWB General Manager Encik Daniel Wong Park Ing on the development programmes and water management strategies undertaken by SWB.

Also present at the briefing was state Public Utilities (Water Supply) Assistant Minister Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran who is also state Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Farmer’s Organisation).

During the discussion, Dr. Ongkili promised to follow up on the board’s request to convert its past loans from the federal government into grants.

The board had raised, during the briefing, its appeal made last year to the federal government to convert a portion of its outstanding RM104.6mil federal loan. This portion amounting to about RM44mil is largely for its rural water supply capital expenditure which the board had been asked to take over in stages from the state Public Works Department since the mid 1990s.

“I have promised, as KeTTHA minister, to follow up on ongoing discussions with the Finance Ministry, as well as the Rural and Regional Development Ministry which supports the board’s request, to resolve the matter as soon as possible”.

“The request was made as the amount is to ensure rural areas also enjoy continuous and quality treated water supply which is a basic amenity,” Dr Ongkili said.

He also commended the board’s efforts to improve its services although it faces financial constraints due to increase in area coverage. The board oversees water supply to a population of almost 260,000 with more than 30 percent in the rural areas

The minister was also impressed with the service improvement efforts of the board through various quality management programmes which also saw the board earning various awards and recognition from the national and international accreditation bodies.

These efforts also resulted in reduced public complaints received by the board, especially on the quality of water supply, he noted.

The visit by the minister and his delegation was part of his effort to touch base with the various utility entities especially those that deal largely with the rural population.

Group Photo of Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Ongkili (seated fifth left) with Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) and Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Farmer’s Organisation) Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran (seated fourth left), SWB Chairman Encik Dennis Chua Wat Beng (seated third left), SWB Board Members, SWB General Manager Encik Daniel Wong Park Ing (seated third right), Delegates from Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water and Management of SWB.

SWB Chairman Encik Dennis Chua Wat Beng (second left) Presented A Souvenir to Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Ongkili (second right) Witnessed by Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) and Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Farmer’s Organisation) Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran (middle) with Sibu Water Board General Manager Encik Daniel Wong Park Ing (right) and Sibu Resident Encik Sim Kok Kee (left).