Kota Kinabalu: Persistent water supply disruptions continue to affect daily life in Sungai Manila, despite the substantial allocation to the Sabah Water Department under the 2026 State budget, its Assemblyman said.
Hazem Mubarak Musa (Sungai Manila – GRS) said residents in his constituency were still grappling with low water pressure, ageing pipelines, and prolonged supply interruptions, issues that have remained unresolved for years.
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Speaking during the Sabah State Assembly debate on Budget 2026 on Monday, Hazem welcomed the RM848mil allocated to the department for operating and development expenditure but stressed that clean water was a basic human necessity that must be addressed urgently.
“This is a basic human necessity. We cannot talk about digitalisation or the Blue Economy if people wake up in the morning without water to bathe or cook.
“I, therefore, call for part of the development allocation for the Sabah Water Department to be channelled in a specific and immediate manner to address low water pressure and ageing pipelines in Sungai Manila.
“I want to see this maintenance budget translated into the replacement of old pipes that frequently burst and contribute to high non-revenue water (NRW) levels. The people of Sungai Manila want assurances, not more technical excuses,” he said.
Turning to youth development, Hazem said Sungai Manila had many young people with strong potential but limited access to quality employment opportunities within the district.
“We must ensure that youths in Sungai Manila are not left behind. I propose the establishment of stronger synergy between skills training centres and industries in and around Sandakan and the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster. The skills taught must match industry needs so that our young people can secure jobs locally without having to migrate far and leave their families behind,” he said.
He warned that youth unemployment posed long-term social risks, adding that sustainable job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities would strengthen family incomes while steering young people away from social problems.
Hazem also highlighted the lack of proper recreational and sports facilities in Sungai Manila, saying residents had long aspired to have a mini stadium or at least a standard public field for sports and community activities.
Referring to the RM98.06mil allocated to the Youth, Sports and Creative Economy Ministry, including RM10.05mil for sports infrastructure, he appealed for Sungai Manila to be considered under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He said such facility would not only help develop future athletes but also serve as a community hub that promotes healthy lifestyles and social cohesion, particularly among youths.
Hazem described the 2026 State budget as holistic and inclusive, but stressed that effective implementation was crucial.
“I hope that the well-crafted plans on paper can be implemented swiftly and transparently. Bureaucratic red tape that delays people-centric projects, especially those involving water supply and basic infrastructure, must be reduced,” he added.
