KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP Vice Chairman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang called the Government to strengthen community resilience by embracing and supporting indigenous practices that have sustained local communities for generations.
Expressing deep concern over ongoing water supply disruptions in Kinarut and surrounding areas, she emphasised that water is a basic necessity, not a luxury, and that supply shortages disproportionately burden vulnerable households with children, elderly family members and those managing health conditions or caregiving duties.
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“The disruptions forced residents to adjust their daily lives and live with uncertainty – we need authorities to act earnestly to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences,” she said.
Beyond addressing immediate infrastructure challenges, Jannie said the crisis underscores the value of practical, community-rooted solutions such as rainwater harvesting – a practice deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge that prioritises careful resource use and preparedness.
“Often viewed as a temporary fix, rainwater harvesting can significantly reduce pressure on public supply systems and provide short-term relief during disruptions. It is one of several simple, affordable practices – including composting, reducing plastic use and maintaining kitchen gardens – that help families lower costs, cut waste and build stronger ties with their environment,” she said.
Jannie commended State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar for promoting the Kitchen Garden initiative, which aligns with indigenous values of land stewardship and self-reliance.
The programme supports food security by encouraging households to grow their own crops, reducing dependence on external supplies.
She urged the Government to expand support for such initiatives, framing them as essential components of long-term resilience and environmental sustainability rather than secondary options.
This includes backing rainwater harvesting systems and gravity-fed water supply networks, she added.
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