Kota Kinabalu: Darau Assemblyman, Datuk Azhar Matussin, has called on the Sabah government to take immediate and decisive action to address persistent water supply issues affecting residents in Kg Likas and Kingfisher.
He said residents have been facing ongoing disruptions, including low water pressure and frequent supply interruptions over the past weeks.
“What has been happening to residents of Kg Likas and Kingfisher is that week after week they are facing serious water supply woes.
“Imagine a mother forced to carry water in buckets just to cook for her children, a worker going to work without being able to bathe after waiting for hours for water that never arrives, or an elderly patient unable to maintain personal hygiene. This is not a one-off occurrence, but something happening repeatedly,” he said when debating the policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Azhar said residents have also expressed frustration over the lack of clear explanations from the authorities.
He urged the Sabah State Water Department (JANS) to provide a comprehensive and transparent report on the condition of water supply infrastructure in the Kota Kinabalu area within 30 days.
He also proposed immediate approval of emergency funds to repair damaged pipelines and upgrade ageing treatment plants believed to be contributing to the disruptions.
In addition, he called for the establishment of a more systematic public notification system to inform residents in advance of scheduled water cuts, along with the provision of alternative supply and assistance during disruptions.
Looking ahead, he proposed that a revised water supply master plan for Kota Kinabalu be developed, taking into account population growth over the next 20 years.
Azhar also suggested the formation of a Sabah Water Management Commission to improve efficiency and delivery of water services.
He said the ongoing water supply issues have significantly affected daily life, particularly for families in the affected areas.
“A leader who does not listen to the people’s grievances on basic needs such as water will lose the people’s trust,” he said.
He added that his call was aimed at representing residents facing hardship due to water shortages and urged the government to act with urgency.
“The people want solutions,” he said.
