KOTA KINABALU: A major pipe has burst, causing close to a week of low water pressure and disruptions impacting thousands of consumers in Penampang, Putatan and the city.
On Wednesday (Feb 5), Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya confirmed that the burst 1,200mm pipeline in front of Skyline SIB along Jalan Penampang has severely disrupted supply in several key areas.
He said repairs are scheduled on Friday (Feb 7) with excavation work, leak detection and pipeline restoration expected to take around 12 hours.
During this time, the Moyog Water Treatment Plant will operate at a reduced capacity, producing just 109 million litres per day (MLD), a 41% decrease from its usual output of 187 MLD.
As a result, consumers in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan, including areas such as Luyang, Kepayan, Inanam, Sembulan, Tanjung Aru, Damai and Likas, will experience low water pressure or temporary supply interruptions.
Other affected areas include the city centre, Bukit Padang, Kolombong, Penampang Baru, Donggongon, Kobusak, Jalan Pintas, Beverly Hills and surrounding regions.
The Sabah Water Department (JANS) will deploy tankers to affected areas, but residents are urged to store additional water in advance and use it sparingly until full supply is restored.
Shahelmey said water rationing may continue in the short term, with full supply recovery expected to take between one and five days depending on the location.
He also highlighted several medium-term projects aimed at improving water supply, including the 5MLD urban water supply system at Kasigui, expected to be completed by mid-year, and the Telibong Phase 2 pipeline connection, scheduled for July.
In addition, the Kogopon 2 project is slated for completion next year.
