Latest news with #SabahWorksMinistry
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
UMS water supply stabilised after resolution of misunderstanding with Sabah Water Department
KOTA KINABALU: The water supply disruption plaguing Universiti Malaysia Sabah was caused by a misunderstanding between the university and the Sabah Water Department regarding the existing indicator at the R13 water tank. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also the State Works Minister, said the issue was being addressed, and the current indicator would be replaced with a digital version within a week. "A series of discussions between the water department and the university, coordinated by the Sabah Works Ministry, as well as site visits to the university, have been conducted to resolve the water issue. We concluded that the water supply was not efficiently channelled due to a misunderstanding. "However, this has been effectively resolved, and based on continuous monitoring since mid-May, the water supply at the university has remained stable to date," he said in a press conference here on Thursday (June 5). Shahelmey said that to address external constraints such as water theft, incomplete pipeline installations and other factors, the water department and the university have been urged to work more closely to resolve or minimise water supply issues. "Through these discussions, the water department and the university have agreed to cooperate, both in technical and communication aspects. The water department is also committed to ensuring that the volume of water entering the R13 tank remains sufficient and consistent, and will work with the university on pump operations. "Additionally, the university must ensure that internal water distribution within the campus is well managed. JANS is also prepared to offer guidance and support in handling the university's internal water distribution if needed," he said. Meanwhile, on the Telibong II pipeline project, Shahelmey said the Sabah government through the water department, is currently undertaking pipe installation works under phase II of the project. The project is expected to be completed by early July and will serve the Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu areas. "It is hoped that once the pipe installation is complete, water distribution to Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu will improve and water supply issues will be minimised," he said. At the same time, Shahelmey said the Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) project at the Kasigui Penampang water treatment plant, which was initially scheduled for completion in April, has been delayed due to several issues, including unpredictable weather since early this year. "It should have been operational by now, but there have been constraints. However, I have been informed that it is expected to be fully completed by early July. "Once completed, the project would benefit users in Penampang, Putatan, Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas," he added. – Bernama
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Works Ministry urged to resolve Tawau Port crisis
Tan KOTA KINABALU (May 9): The Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) has called on the Sabah Works Ministry to urgently address the longstanding issues plaguing Tawau Port, warning that inefficiencies are crippling businesses and disrupting supply chains. STIA president Tan Peng Juan cited a May 1, 2025 report highlighting the port's inferior facilities, which have caused severe logistical delays. 'These setbacks are hurting industries dependent on timely cargo processing,' he said in a statement today. Tan revealed that many export-bound containers remain stranded due to malfunctioning equipment. The port's only two cranes broke down weeks ago, and despite promises of repairs, the situation persists. This has led to shipment delays, demurrage fees, and rising container rental costs for exporters. Compounding the crisis, a vessel scheduled for May 11, 2025, has been canceled — a move that will worsen backlogs and strain businesses further. 'The cancellation disrupts supply chains, inflates costs, and hampers operations,' Tan stressed. He noted that the port's inefficiencies have already driven away shipping lines, with weekly feeder vessels reduced from one or two to just one every fortnight. 'Without urgent improvements, fewer vessels will call at Tawau, harming Sabah's economy,' he warned. The logjam has also spiked logistics costs, which could trigger higher consumer prices. STIA members currently have 80 containers stuck since April 18 and another 96 awaiting shipment. Diverting shipments to Kota Kinabalu Port would cost an extra RM2,000 per container — a burden businesses cannot afford amid rising production costs and weak global demand. STIA urged the government and Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd to act swiftly, demanding both immediate solutions and long-term upgrades to port infrastructure.
