Better water supply by July: Short and long term solutions being looked into
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025
By: Larry Ralon, Rahim Matnin Text Size: Shahelmey (middle) speaking at the press conference, with Ridhwan (second right), Chee (right), Dr Kasim (second left) and Dr Rosalam (left). Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Water Department (JANS), is taking proactive measures to address the water supply issues at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). These include the installation of new indicators and the implementation of the Telibong II Phase II pipeline project, which is expected to be completed by July.
Advertisement Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya said a series of discussions and site visits between JANS and UMS, coordinated by his Ministry, had been carried out to identify both short- and long-term solutions. 'To tackle challenges such as water theft, incomplete pipeline installation and other contributing factors, we have urged JANS and UMS to strengthen cooperation so that this issue can be minimised for the benefit of the UMS community,' he told a press conference at his Ministry, Thursday. Also present were Works Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Ridhwan Roger Linus, State Water Department Director Chee Chun Chieh, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir. Dr Rosalam Sarbatly. Shahelmey said both JANS and UMS agreed to enhance collaboration on technical aspects and communications, including pump operations and internal water distribution within the campus. 'JANS is committed to ensuring a sufficient and consistent water supply to Tank R13 and will also cooperate with UMS regarding pump operations. The existing indicator at Tank R13 will be replaced with a digital indicator which has been ordered,' he said, adding the digital indicator is expected to be installed within a week. Shahelmey said he would personally inspect the installation and involve UMS officials to ensure alignment on pump operations. He also said JANS is ready to provide guidance and support to UMS in managing the internal distribution system, if required. Asked about the severity of the water disruptions at UMS, he said the situation had been relatively stable since mid-May. 'Based on our records, the situation has improved. We hope close cooperation between JANS and UMS will ensure continued stability, and once Telibong II Phase II is completed, the situation should improve further,' he said. Commenting on the root causes of the disruptions, Shahelmey pointed to several factors, including possible miscommunication between JANS and UMS about water level indicators and rampant illegal water connections in Sepanggar, which have hampered enforcement efforts. 'We are addressing the issues now and hope there will be no further miscommunication. External challenges such as illegal connections remain a major hurdle for JANS,' he added. He also revealed that the Government is reviewing legal options to introduce stricter laws against illegal water connections. In terms of funding, Shahelmey said to date, RM5 million has been channelled by the Federal Government, including RM3 million for the construction of nine tube wells following the Prime Minister's visit to UMS two years ago. An additional RM2 million was allocated by the Higher Education Ministry. However, water from the tube wells is only used for certain purposes, not for general consumption, as UMS requires at least 5 million litres of water daily. On the progress of the Telibong II Phase II pipeline installation, Shahelmey said the project is expected to be fully completed by the end of June or early July, which would help stabilise water distribution in the Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu areas. 'Once completed, the volume of treated water from the Telibong II plant will increase, resulting in a more stable supply to the affected areas,' he said. He said water pressure also remains an issue because although both Telibong I and II plants can produce 160 million litres per day (MLD), only 105 MLD can currently be delivered due to incomplete pipeline works. 'Once the new pipeline is ready, we will be able to deliver the remaining 55 MLD,' he added. On the Kasigui Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) project, Shahelmey said it is being carried out by Jetama Berhad and, although delayed by a month due to unpredictable weather, it is expected to be operational and produce treated water supply by the end of this month. 'Concrete works for the main slab have been completed and the modular unit installation is ongoing. Once operational, it will supply an additional 5 MLD of treated water to Kota Kinabalu and Putatan,' he said. Shahelmey hoped all planned projects would be completed on schedule to ensure sufficient and sustainable water supply for the people of Sabah, particularly in the West Coast areas. Meanwhile, Shahelmey denied and described as baseless the allegations by Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin who alleged political bias and lack of road maintenance in his constituency. 'The route mentioned (by Bung), from Batu 32 Sandakan through Kinabatangan to Lahad Datu and Kunak, is a Federal road currently undergoing construction as part of the Pan Borneo Highway project. Maintenance works are the responsibility of the appointed contractors,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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