KOTA KINABALU: The bulk of the RM1.656bil allocation for the Sabah Works and Utilities Ministry will be used to upgrade water facilities, said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The state Works and Utilities Minister said efficient water supply remains the top priority, with RM848mil earmarked for the Sabah Water Department to expand treatment capacity, improve water pump plants and implement rural water projects.
“We are want to ensure reliable water for the people and economic needs of the state. This budget ensures both short and long-term solutions,” Dr Gunsalam said when winding up the state’s Budget 2026 debates at the state assembly here on Wednesday (Dec 17).
He said that the focus on improving water supplies includes long-term rural water supply projects, such as the RM328mil Apas/Balung water system in Tawau.
Dr Gunsalam said measures to cut non‑revenue water (NRW) include tackling illegal connections in squatter areas and the outsourced management of five treatment plants worth RM55mil annually to improve efficiency.
Dr Gunsalam also disclosed that road infrastructure through the Public Works Department have allocated RM600.69mil to maintain state roads, repair slopes and bridges, and upgrade traffic systems and street lighting.
“PWD is also testing cold‑mix asphalt and fibre‑mixed asphalt (FMA) to improve pothole repairs and road durability,” he said, adding that the long-term plan was to incorporate damaged roads into Pan Borneo Highway Phase 3 and seeking special allocations for major state roads.
He also disclosed that Sabah received RM605mil in 2025 under Marris (Malaysian Road Records Information System) and is expected to receive RM843mil in 2026.
Dr Gunsalam said that the RM203.91mil will be allocated for Sabah Sewerage Services Department to upgrade systems in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and smaller towns.
“Programmes include routine maintenance, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and new sewerage schemes under local authorities,” he said.
