KOTA KINABALU: In Pitas, one of Sabah’s most remote districts, more than 50 families are still depending on an open well located within a oil palm plantation as their only source of water — despite concerns over pollution and health risks.
The spring-fed well in Kampung Mampakad Darat 1 and 2 is uncovered and unprotected, making it vulnerable to falling debris, surface runoff and pesticide contamination.
“There’s never been piped water here — only this well,” said 36-year-old Javinah Ng Chu Yen, a housewife who lives with her husband and two children.
“Even though the Health Ministry once confirmed the water was safe, that was only if it’s protected. But it’s not. Leaves, fruit, and rainwater from uphill get in. When people spray weed killer, it can flow down into the well,” she said when contacted.
Javinah added that many villagers, who are mostly rubber tappers, small-scale farmers and labourers, had to save up just to afford water pumps to draw water directly into their homes.
“Some collect rainwater. Others buy bottled water when they can. But during dry spells, we still have to rely on the well,” she said.
The villagers are appealing for immediate assistance, including the construction of a roof and a concrete perimeter to shield the well from falling debris and chemical runoff. They also hope for a longer-term plan to provide a piped water supply to the area.
“We’re not asking for luxury — just a proper cover to keep the water clean, and a safe way to get it to our homes,” said Javinah, adding that the community has been waiting for years with no solution in sight.
The matter was also raised by Warisan youth chief Terence Au, who visited the area earlier this week and questioned the lack of action from authorities.
“This is their only water source — and yet nothing has been done to protect it,” he said in a statement.
“We keep talking about rural development, but how long must people in Pitas rely on an open, unprotected well?” he said.
While the Health Ministry had previously found the water usable if maintained, Au said the absence of proper safeguards means the health risk remains.
“Clean water is a basic right, not a luxury,” he said.
Warisan youth is calling for immediate intervention from the Pitas District Office, the Sabah Water Department, the Health Ministry and the area’s elected representative to deliver a proper action plan.
“If rural welfare truly matters, show it through action — not just statements,” said Au.
