KOTA KINABALU: Residents of Pulau Bum-Bum in Semporna have been relying on rainwater, wells or bring in water from the mainland, ever since the water pipeline fell into disrepair some time ago.
With Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaching, the situation has become even more difficult, with families struggling to afford the additional cost of buying water from the mainland.
Pulau Bum-Bum, located in Semporna, is one of the larger populated islands in Sabah, home to about 30,000 people from 52 villages.
Located just a 10-minute boat ride from the Semporna jetty, the island serves as a transit point for tourists heading to popular diving destinations like Sipadan and Mabul.
Despite its location, residents continue to face infrastructure challenges, particularly access to clean water.
The island's water pipeline system has long since fallen into disrepair.
Housewife Nannung Tanasi claimed it had been four years since they last had access to piped water.
"There has been no water here for a long time – four years already. How do we bathe? How do we cook? We just wait for the rain. If there's no rain, we have to buy water from town," she said.
Nalsimah Taha said obtaining clean water is a financial burden.
"Buying water is expensive – If there's no rain, we spend hundreds of ringgit a month. A tank (300 litres) costs around RM35 to RM40," she said.
Some have turned to underground sources.
"We use groundwater, which we get by drilling into the ground. Sometimes we buy bottled water," said former civil servant Mohd Amiril Wajil.
Parti Impian Sabah vice-president Mohd Lipai @ Samsu Sundalu urged authorities to act, saying the crisis was affecting villagers and the island's tourism industry.
"Semporna is a tourist destination and we can't even ensure there is enough water for the local community, let alone visitors," he said.
