KOTA KINABALU: Rural folks in five remote villages in the Pitas district can now enjoy clean water supply through the installation of an alternative clean water supply system, thanks to a Yayasan PETRONAS initiative that began in December 2024.
This project is in collaboration with PEMASA, a Sabah-based non-governmental organisation, and continues efforts to improve the quality of life for rural communities in the state by providing communities with reliable access to clean and safe water.
This practical, easy to operate and safe for community use system benefits more than 700 residents from 135 households across Kampung Ampungoi, Kampung Mangkapon, Kampung Narandang Laut, Kampung Pungiton Polod and Kampung Timboi Dagang.
The villages are located approximately 25km from Pitas town and 195km from Kota Kinabalu city centre.
Yayasan PETRONAS chief executive officer, Shariah Nelly Francis, said access to clean water is a basic necessity that should be within reach for everyone, regardless of where they live.
“We remain focused on working with local organisations such as PEMASA in delivering solutions that address the specific needs of communities while strengthening their resilience for the long term,” she said.
To commemorate the completion of the water supply system, a handover ceremony was held at Kampung Narandang Laut and attended by Sabah Assistant Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Dr Ruddy Awah recently.
“We welcome and appreciate this meaningful contribution by Yayasan PETRONAS and PEMASA, which will greatly ease the burden faced by villagers in accessing clean water,” said Ruddy.
“We hope this project will bring lasting benefits to the residents by improving their daily living conditions and enabling them to focus on activities that contribute to their wellbeing and livelihoods,” said the Pitas assemblyman.
The initiative aims to provide reliable access to clean water for the identified villages and supply up to 10,000 litres of clean water daily to the communities.
Beyond infrastructure, PEMASA also conducted community engagement and awareness sessions to promote proper usage and maintenance of the facilities.
The initiative included the installation of water pumps and storage tanks across the participating villages to ensure the system can be operated safely and practically by the community.
PEMASA chairman Patrick Ginduh said community participation has been a key component of this project.
“By actively engaging the villagers throughout the implementation process, we hope to instil a greater sense of ownership and responsibility towards maintaining the facilities.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help improve the quality of life of the residents and make everyday tasks such as collecting and storing water much easier and more convenient for their families,” he said.
The initiative is part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ "Memperkasakan Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Mekar)" programme under its Community Wellbeing and Development focus area, which aims to empower communities by addressing basic needs while providing opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship.
PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan general manager Datuk Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab was also present.
