Kota Kinabalu: REPLACING ageing pipes statewide would take time, the State Assembly was told, as the Government moves to address frequent leaks and disruptions affecting several areas.
Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utility Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the replacement of ageing pipelines would take some time but plans are already in place to carry out upgrades in the City, Sandakan and other affected areas.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, who described pipe bursts across Sabah, particularly in Sandakan, as a serious issue and asked when leak problems could be resolved.
Earlier, Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook raised concerns over recurring underground pipe leaks in Likas that disrupt water supply, believed to be caused by ageing pipelines, and asked whether the Ministry plans to replace all old pipes.
Assistant Works and Utility Minister Datuk Limus Jury said treated water supply in Likas is channelled from the Kasigui and Moyog Water Treatment Plants.
He said one of the main causes of frequent leaks is the ageing Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes, compounded by a direct pumping system from treatment plants that exerts additional pressure on the existing pipeline network and increases the risk of failures.
He said areas frequently affected include Jalan Keramat and Jalan Tuaran Bypass.
Limus said the Sabah Water Department has planned and is implementing several measures to address the issue comprehensively.
He said these include a three-year Kota Kinabalu pipeline maintenance contract to carry out immediate repairs on leaking and damaged pipes and reduce water disruption complaints in areas including Likas.
He said the ongoing upgrading and replacement of various sizes of AC pipes in the city, with physical progress at 7.03 per cent, is estimated to cost RM28 million and is scheduled for completion on Feb 4, 2027.
He said the project aims to upgrade and replace ageing pipes in Kota Kinabalu, including Likas.
He added that a RM200 million project to replace ageing pipes and upgrade transmission and distribution pipelines in the City, Penampang and Putatan has been approved under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) through a Federal loan by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra).
He said implementation is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027 after completing the value management laboratory stage.
He said the initiatives are expected to improve the reliability of the water distribution system and reduce the frequency of supply disruptions in the medium and long term.
