PAPAR: Residents here are urged not to panic following Wednesday’s drought emergency declaration due to the critical water supply situation the past few weeks.

District Management Committee (JPBD) Chairman Mohd Fuad Abdullah said the declaration is for a natural disaster emergency and not to mistake it for an emergency declaration.

“Such declaration is made based on reports and information obtained on the ground received by agencies in the committee, including the Sabah Water Department. He also said the Disaster Operation Control Centre (PKOB) would coordinate the delivery of water to all areas affected in the district.

“The Water Department here will make a schedule for water distribution to affected villages in Papar and streamline the delivery with Papar District Council and elected people representatives of Parliamentary and State constituencies for smooth implementation,” he said.