KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will corporatise the state Water Department in a move to boost efficiency and tackle widespread supply woes.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said corporatisation would allow better management of resources and curb massive losses from illegal connections, which have pushed the state’s non-revenue water rate to 57% – among the highest in the country.
“As a responsible government, we cannot ignore this issue. Repair and upgrading works will take time, but we are confident supply will improve from next year,” he said at a gathering with the Chinese community, mission and Chinese independent schools as well as non-Muslim religious bodies on Monday night.
The department has recently come under fire over its persistent poor water supply.
Hajiji said 18 water supply projects are underway statewide, including the RM365mil Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar, slated for completion next year, and the RM300mil Air Cinta Mata Dam in Tawau, due in 2027.
Kota Kinabalu’s supply, he added, had already improved with the Telibong II plant, which now produces 160 million litres daily (MLD) for the city and nearby districts.
For the long term, the 6,000 MLD Ulu Padas Hydroelectric and Water Supply Project is targeted for completion by 2030.
