Several areas in Kuching, including the city centre, Petra Jaya, Kota Samarahan and Padawan, may experience low water pressure and unexpected water supply interruptions following a major pipe burst near the Haji Baki traffic lights.
Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) said the incident caused a failure of the road shoulder embankment along Jalan Haji Baki/Jalan Batu Kitang, leading to soil erosion and the loss of ground support beneath the roadway.
According to preliminary findings, the pipe burst was triggered by a landslide near the traffic lights, which caused ground movement and placed excessive stress on a 1,050mm Mild Steel Cement-Lined (MSCL) pumping mains pipeline. The movement resulted in the displacement and rupture of the pipe.
“The rupture led to a large volume of water being discharged into the surrounding soil, accelerating erosion and weakening the road structure,” SWSB said in a statement on its Southern Region Facebook page.
The incident also disrupted the water pumping system, causing reservoir levels to drop and resulting in low water pressure and unplanned supply interruptions in affected areas.
SWSB said emergency response measures have been activated, including the operation of isolation valves to control leakage and reduce further water loss. The system has also been reconfigured, with strategic water diversions implemented to help stabilise pressure.
Emergency repair works will be carried out as soon as conditions allow, subject to safety assessments due to unstable ground, traffic management needs, weather conditions and the extent of pipeline displacement.
“Sarawak Water is working closely with relevant authorities and technical agencies to ensure all repair and reinstatement works are carried out safely and effectively,” the statement said.
The utility provider apologised for the inconvenience caused and said updates will be shared as restoration efforts progress.
