KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Water Department has been urged to get its act together and solve water supply problems faced by people in the state.
Sabah West Coast Smart Consumer Association president David Chen said the issue has been plaguing consumers for years.
“We have received numerous complaints and the problem continues to disrupt the daily lives of people in Sabah,” he said in a statement on Monday (Dec 5).
“We hope the department can seriously look into this matter and solve the problem,” he said.
There is not a day when some part of Sabah does not experience water shortages or disruptions, he noted.
Just on Monday alone, at least eight districts – Kunak, Merotai, Kinabatangan, Tawau, Sipitang, Kota Belud, Penampang, Tamparuli – were issued shortage, disruption and rationing notices.
It has been reported that tens of thousands of consumers are affected by such issues daily.
Chen said people are tired and sick of the situation, which was reported to have deteriorated during the Covid-19 pandemic with no improvement until now.
He said many people are unable to carry out their daily chores, more so those having to care for the sick, the elderly, and children.
He urged those in power not to let the situation continue.
“What are the contingency plans? What are the short- and long-term solutions to this problem?
“Sabah Water Department authorities must sit and talk with government officials and this new Federal Government to come up with feasible solutions,” he said.