Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s persistent water supply problems are mostly caused by ageing pipelines rather than a lack of treatment capacity, said Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook.
He said many underground pipes, particularly in his constituency, are more than 30 years old and have become a major source of leakage and supply disruption.
“This is the main cause of repeated leakages, loss of treated water, low water pressure and supply disruptions,” he said.
He said recent disruptions lasting nearly two weeks had affected multiple areas, including Taman Fantasi, Taman Ujana Sri Fantasi, Taman Cempaka, Signal Hill, Segama, Suria Sabah, Wisma Merdeka, Kolej Cyberjaya and Dah Yeh Villa.
“This proves that our problem is not merely production capacity, but a distribution system that is increasingly failing,” he said.
While welcoming efforts to increase water production capacity and upgrade treatment plants, Tham said such measures would have limited impact if the distribution network continues to be neglected.
“If old pipes are left as they are, no matter how much treated water is produced, it will still be lost along the way,” he said.
He urged the government to implement a large-scale, phased replacement programme for ageing pipelines, prioritising high-density and high-risk areas.
Beyond water supply, Tham said poorly maintained drainage systems have also led to recurring flash floods in residential areas and schools in Likas.
He said his request to meet the Sabah Drainage and Irrigation Department director to discuss clogged drains has yet to receive a response.
“I don’t know whether they are too busy managing projects or if there are other factors preventing a response,” he said.
Tham said water supply and drainage issues should not be treated separately, as both are closely linked to the efficiency of basic infrastructure and public wellbeing.
“People do not want to just hear about project figures and big announcements. They want to see water flowing from their taps, and no more floods on the roads disrupting daily life,” he said.
On education, he said efforts to develop skilled human capital would fall short if basic infrastructure in schools remains inadequate.
He pointed to cases in Beluran and Paitan where students were forced to study in poor conditions, including at a mosque walkway and in buildings without proper walls following floods.
“If we are serious about developing human capital, then improving dilapidated schools and basic facilities must be given equal priority,” he said.
Tham also called for better alignment between scholarship offerings and Sabah’s future workforce needs, particularly in sectors such as engineering, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and the blue economy.
He raised concerns over delays in scholarship disbursements, saying this has placed financial pressure on students from lower-income families.
On the rising cost of living, Tham urged the state government to outline clearer and more concrete interventions to help Sabahans cope with increasing prices, noting that Sarawak had already introduced targeted assistance measures.
Touching on Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he welcomed the devolution of environmental management powers but said more must be done, particularly in pursuing the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
“If Sabah has fairer financial resources, many of the issues we raise here — from water to education and infrastructure — can be addressed more effectively,” he said.
