PENAMPANG: Unmaintained sewage drains in Bandar Penampang Baru are creating critical public health hazards, with clogged channels breeding disease-carrying pests and emitting foul odours that threaten both residents and local businesses, a community leader has warned.
Donggongon District Voting Centre Coordinator (PDM) Theresa Chong raised the alarm following an inspection of the commercial centre with members of the Penampang Division Heritage Committee (AJK), highlighting that the neglected infrastructure is putting public safety at risk.
“We’ve received numerous complaints from business owners – when afternoon rains hit, stagnant water in clogged drains releases a strong stench that drives away customers.
Worse still, these damp, blocked channels are ideal breeding grounds for cockroaches, rats and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like leptospirosis, salmonellosis and dengue,” she said in a statement.
The inspection also revealed that several concrete drain covers have been removed, creating hidden dangers for pedestrians – particularly children who may accidentally fall into the open channels.
Chong pointed out that while the Penampang Municipal Council enforces strict standards for food businesses, requiring at least a three-star toilet rating before issuing operating licences, it must also take responsibility for public areas.
“Traders here diligently pay their gate tax to the council – they should not be left to deal with unhygienic conditions outside their premises. A clean external environment will also encourage operators to maintain high standards indoors, creating a positive cycle for public health and business viability,” she added.
According to Sabah’s State Health Department data for the first 11 months of 2025, Penampang recorded a 12pc increase in vector-borne disease cases compared to the same period in 2024, with leptospirosis cases rising by 18pc – a trend linked to poor sanitation and stagnant water sources in urban commercial areas.
Accompanying Chong during the inspection were Warisan strategic communications director Christopher Masudal, Penampang Warisan division head Jeffrey Leiking, and division committee members Michael Tann Jr and Koh Chik Ping.
