KOTA KINABALU: Residents in parts of Sabah say they have no choice but to install water pumps due to years of unreliable water supply, only to now face possible enforcement action under a new directive by the Sabah Water Department.
A notice issued on March 3 warned that the installation of water pumps that do not comply with regulations is an offence under Section 56 of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003. Those found guilty could face fines of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Consumers were given one month to comply before enforcement begins.
However, residents argue that the crackdown is unfair as many, especially those living on higher floors, have long relied on pumps just to receive basic water supply.
Yamani Kuder, a resident of Bandar Ramai-Ramai in Sandakan, questioned why the water department would target paying consumers instead of addressing more pressing issues, such as illegal water connections.
"The notice is concerning. It is not like we have a choice. We won't have a single drop of water from our pipe without the pump. If it (notice) really means that the pump I have is illegal, then it is absurd because I pay my bills. I bought the pump with my own money.
"If they want to take action, go after those stealing water first before penalising responsible residents who pay their bills every month," he stressed.
Another resident, Aziz Idris, who has also lived in Bandar Ramai-Ramai for over 20 years, echoed similar frustrations.
"The only reason we have these pumps is because the water department has failed to provide adequate supply. And now they want to take them away? How does that make sense?" he asked.
Aziz also pointed out that authorities have not provided a sustainable alternative. He said a water truck occasionally comes to distribute water, but only once every three months, which is far from sufficient.
"I am no longer fit to carry gallons of water up to the third floor. How do they expect us to survive?" he said.
While the notice does not explicitly state whether it applies to them, Aziz said residents are worried as it has gone viral, fuelling public anger.
Residents on the ground and first floors do not experience the same issue, but those living on upper floors insist they cannot receive water without pumps.
Meanwhile, Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin has strongly criticised the enforcement move, calling it burdensome and out of touch with the realities faced by Sabah residents.
"This is unreasonable, especially when many parts of Sabah are still facing serious water supply issues," he said.
He pointed out that areas such as Sandakan’s Bandar Ramai-Ramai, Pasir Putih, Bandar Nam Tung, and Bandar Leila had only recently had their supply restored after prolonged disruptions, but water pressure remains weak.
"If the Sabah Water Department insists on seizing water pumps and imposing fines, it will only add to residents’ anxiety," he said.
George stressed that many residents have struggled with unstable supply for years and are not installing pumps to break the law but out of necessity.
"The government must first ensure that water supply is stable before enforcing regulations. If supply is guaranteed, why would anyone need to install a pump?" George asked.
He urged the authorities to prioritise long-term improvements to Sabah’s water infrastructure rather than penalising consumers trying to meet their basic needs.
The affected residents are now calling on the Sabah Water Department to clarify its position and, more importantly, focus on fixing the water supply issue instead of penalising those forced to find their own solutions.
