KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Water Department will only take action against consumers using water pumps directly from supply pipes after the Ramadan fasting month, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahhelmey Yahya.
He said the Water Department informed him that no specific date has been set for enforcement against consumers fitting water pumps, which are blamed for low water pressure in certain areas.
"For now, the Water Department will only carry out checks and issue warnings to consumers using water pumps illegally," he said when contacted.
On Monday (March 3), the Sabah Water Department issued a notice stating it would act against those using water pumps illegally.
The department warned it was an offence under Section 56 of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003, with penalties of up to RM50,000 in fines and a jail term not exceeding six months, or both.
The notice urged consumers to abide by the law to avoid having their water pumps seized.
It is understood that water pumps used by consumers are causing low water pressure in various areas across the state.
In a statement, Kota Kinabalu Warisan division information chief Samuel Chin said the crackdown on water pumps was in line with the law, but authorities must understand why consumers install them.
“It’s crucial to address the root causes that have prompted residents to install these water pumps.
"The primary issue lies in the water department’s failure to ensure stable water pressure and availability," he said.
He added that many parts of Sabah, including commercial and residential areas, face low water pressure.
"Who would want to install a water pump if the water supply were consistently delivered with pressure?" Chin said.
He noted that many people in high-rise buildings do not receive water due to poor pressure.
"We need to penalise water thieves with heavy penalties and not people buying additional equipment for stable water supply," he said.
Chin urged the Water Department to show more empathy for the problems faced by genuine consumers.
"Understanding the people’s suffering is crucial before making decisions that could impact consumers. The law is there to guide and protect, but it must also accommodate the reality of the residents’ needs," Chin added.
