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LABUAN: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) is pursuing a comprehensive and long-term solution to address prolonged water supply disruptions in Labuan by identifying and developing alternative water sources to strengthen the island’s sustainability and resilience.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Labuan’s heavy reliance on treated water supplied from the Sabah mainland has exposed the island to repeated supply interruptions, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

He said Labuan currently depends on water treated at the Lawa Gadong Water Treatment Plant in Beaufort, Sabah, which is channelled through a 25.7-kilometre undersea pipeline to the island.

“Labuan must have its own source of water to remain sustainable in the long term. We must have a reserve in case of water cuts due to bad weather on the Sabah mainland,” he told a press conference after the handing-over ceremony of completed water supply projects, Tuesday.

Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said Petra would implement a pilot project to identify alternative water sources for both domestic and industrial use.

Among the options being studied is seawater desalination, although he noted the method remains costly and is not economically viable at this stage.

He said consultants would be appointed to carry out detailed mapping and feasibility studies, including assessments of potential underground water sources, to develop a comprehensive and resilient water supply solution for Labuan.

At present, Fadillah said 13 additional projects under the medium- and long-term water supply plan are being implemented at various stages, including the National Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Programme Approach 1 Phase 2, with a total estimated cost exceeding RM470 million.

“These projects are crucial to replace old and ageing water pipes, strengthen the distribution system, increase capacity and further reduce NRW to ensure continuous clean water supply for all residents,” he said.

He said he was satisfied with the completion of the projects handed over today as well as the progress of ongoing works, noting that requests to provide additional water storage tanks in affected villages and residential areas would also be given due consideration.

Fadillah said the Madani Government remains committed to ensuring universal access to clean water and quality water services in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040.

“I understand the difficulties faced by nearly 16,000 residents affected during recent disruptions. Immediate recovery actions were carried out in stages by the Labuan Water Supply Department, and full water supply was restored by Jan 21, 2026,” he said.

Although the incident was caused by unforeseen natural factors, he said it served as an important reminder for the government to further enhance preparedness and strengthen the resilience of Labuan’s water supply system to safeguard public welfare.

Fadillah recalled that during the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s visit to Labuan from March 31 to April 2, 2023, His Majesty had emphasised the importance of upgrading and maintaining public infrastructure, particularly to ensure sufficient clean water supply for residents.

He said during the Prime Minister’s visit on Dec 7, 2023, instructions were issued to expedite the implementation of water projects, especially those addressing critical short-term issues affecting Labuan’s water supply.

Following that visit, the Prime Minister announced an additional RM300 million allocation under Budget 2024 to tackle water supply issues in Labuan, with the Water Supply Department under Petra entrusted to implement the identified projects.

All initiatives, Fadillah added, are designed to ensure long-term sustainability and uninterrupted clean water supply for the entire population of the Federal Territory of Labuan.