SANDAKAN: Authorities mounted a major crackdown on illegal water connections at two squatter settlements here amid concerns that water theft is worsening supply losses and depriving legitimate consumers of adequate pressure.
One person was arrested, 43 illegal pipe connections were cut and two water pumps seized during the operation at Kampung Mangkalinau, Mile 3, here, on Tuesday (July 28).
The operation, led by the Sabah Water Department, also uncovered 40 illegal electricity connections, which Sabah Electricity disconnected.
Sabah Water Department Enforcement and Security Branch head Azmie Sabli said the operation focused on squatter settlements believed to be contributing to Sandakan’s non-revenue water problem.
Non-revenue water refers to treated water that is lost before reaching paying consumers, including through leaks, theft and unauthorised connections.
Azmie said the illegal connections reduced water pressure and disrupted supply to registered users.
“We are focusing on squatter settlements because they contribute to non-revenue water. They also reduce water pressure, resulting in the supply not reaching consumers,” he said.
Azmie said arrests and investigations would be carried out under Section 49(b) of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003 against those taking water illegally without a meter or authorised connection.
Those convicted can be fined up to RM100,000, jailed for up to one year, or both.
The operation, which ran from 7am to 3pm, involved 89 personnel from 18 federal and state enforcement agencies, including The operation, which ran from 7am to 3pm, involved 89 personnel from 18 federal and state enforcement agencies.
They include the police, Immigration Department, Civil Defence Force, Chief Minister’s Department, National Registration Department, National Security Council, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and Sandakan Municipal Council, among others.
Sabah Electricity also removed about 82kg of electrical wires used for the illegal connections.
The Sandakan Municipal Council issued three compounds and seized 11 packets of contraband cigarettes during the operation.
The Sabah Water Department, in a statement later, said enforcement would continue at other identified hotspots as part of efforts to curb water theft and ensure clean water reaches legitimate consumers.
