Kota Kinabalu: There is an urgent need to expedite the approval process again of a RM40 million water treatment plant project in Kg Moyog to provide clean water to about 12,000 residents in highland villages, the State Legislative Assembly was told.
Moyog Assemblyman, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin (pic), said the project was initially approved during a Penampang Action Committee meeting on Feb 5, 2026, but was stalled following the withdrawal of its original consultant.
He said a newly-appointed consultant later found that the original RM40 million allocation was no longer sufficient, requiring a fresh approval process and causing further delays.
“This is a clear example of why many approved projects never actually begin. The process becomes prolonged, decisions are delayed, and in the end, the people are left waiting.
“This situation is disappointing and has sparked public frustration. More worrying, it erodes public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises,” he said when debating the policy speech of the Head of State on Monday.
Donald urged the relevant authorities to prioritise and expedite the re-approval process, noting that prolonged drought conditions in Moyog have exposed critical gaps in water infrastructure.
He said among the most affected are residents in highland villages near the Babagon Dam, including Kg Kipouvo, Madsiang, Timpoluon, Tampasak, Babagon, Timpangoh Babagon, Notoruss, Kuala Pangi, Kibunut, Rugading, Moyog and Mongkusilad.
“Despite their proximity to the dam, the residents are unable to access treated water due to infrastructure limitations,” he said.
He explained that treated water from Kasigui, located in a lowland area, cannot reach highland villages without sufficient pressure, functioning pumps and adequate storage facilities.
“When the system fails, water flows back to the lowlands, leaving villages in higher areas without supply,” he said.
Donald said emergency measures, including water tankers and bottled water distribution, have been carried out in coordination with the district council, parliamentary service centre and his office.
However, he stressed that these measures are only temporary and not a long-term solution.
“That is why I urge the relevant authorities to immediately expedite the re-approval process for the project, which is the existing solution to provide villagers with access to clean and treated water.
“The people are not asking for more. They simply want water to flow into their homes,” he said.
