KOTA KINABALU: A political party's perceived ability to resolve the water supply crisis is a primary concern for voters in the 17th Sabah State Election.
According to a study of 3,000 voters by Associate Prof Dr Nordin Sakke, a researcher from Universiti Malaysia Sabah's (UMS) Electoral and Geopolitical Studies Unit (GeoPES), 57.1 per cent believe the party they intend to support is capable of addressing these issues.
Advertisement
The data reveals that water supply disruption is the most critical problem, identified by 68.3 per cent of respondents, followed by low water pressure or intermittent flow, a concern for 18.1 per cent.
Beyond mere capability, the perceived sincerity of a candidate or party in tackling the water crisis is also a decisive factor, with 53.1 per cent of respondents emphasising its importance for a lasting solution.
"Voters do not want political parties to use water issues merely as a tool to gain votes; they want genuine commitment to resolving the state's longstanding water supply issues," he told
Bernama.
According to the findings, water issues held considerable sway over the electorate. Nordin noted that 56.1 per cent of respondents confirmed the topic was raised in campaigns, with 67 per cent citing it as a strong influence on their vote. A majority of 59.2 per cent also considered it the most critical issue overall.
"Failing to address water issues may lead to decreased voter support, as 66 per cent of respondents indicated they would not vote if the problem remains unresolved.
"In addition, 52.1 per cent of respondents threatened to shift support to another party perceived as more capable of solving water supply problems," he added.
Nordin said that despite receiving an average annual rainfall of 2,500 millimetres and 87 billion cubic metres of water in its rivers, Sabah continues to experience chronic water supply issues.
"We can only access 13 billion cubic metres, or 30 per cent, but actual usage is only 1.4 billion cubic metres, which is less than 10 per cent of the accessible amount," he explained.
He said this exposes a major gap between the state's water potential and the inadequate infrastructure and management failing to meet public demand.
This finding is supported by a separate study by Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE), UMS and the Social and Community Researchers Organisation (PPSK), which found 76 per cent of respondents citing water and electricity disruptions as the primary concern.
The study also revealed regional variations in voter priorities: while the Interior, East Coast and Kudat regions focused on utility disruptions, Tawau's main issue was infrastructure and roads, and the West Coast was most concerned with the cost of living.
"In conclusion, the three main issues in Sabah that must be addressed are water and electricity disruptions, infrastructure and roads, as well as rising prices and cost of living," the study said.
The Federal and Sabah governments have reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the state's water issues, citing the recently completed Telibong II Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant in Tuaran as a key achievement, which doubled the plant's capacity to 160 million litres per day (MLD) in July.
Several other critical projects are advancing on schedule. The expansion of the Kogopon 2 Water Treatment Plant in Papar, including its supporting pipeline and storage infrastructure, is expected to be completed by July 2026.
Meanwhile, Phase 1 of the Lahad Datu Water Supply System upgrade, with a capacity of 60 MLD, is slated for completion next July as well.
To address population growth in Ranau, the 5 MLD Mamut Water Treatment Plant is expected to begin operations next month, while the 30 million cubic metre Tawau Dam is also scheduled for completion next July, expected to significantly increase the district's water reserve.
This comprehensive infrastructure drive is supported by substantial federal funding. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM6.9 billion development allocation for Sabah in Budget 2026, explicitly earmarking funds to resolve water and electricity issues.
Since 2024, the Federal government has already allocated RM1 billion for specific Sabah water projects, including pipeline installation in Tawau and upgrades to ageing pipes in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan, which are expected to be completed next year.
A total of 1.76 million voters will cast their ballots in the 17th Sabah State Election this Saturday, with 73 state seats being contested.
