Kota Kinabalu: A NGO, Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57), called on police to probe a statement by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya that one of the reasons for Sabah water shortage is due to sabotage.
Its Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said he lodged a police report here on Tuesday.
“What we are worried about is that the sabotage acts could involve political elements trying to disrupt the current administration.
“In fact, we have heard rumours, although we cannot confirm them, about such acts of sabotage being orchestrated by certain quarters to disrupt the smooth functioning of the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) led Sabah Government,” he said.
Shahelmey had on June 15 said he suspected some acts of sabotage to the water supply distribution line in Sepanggar.
His Ministry discovered some valves tampered with and no one other than Water Department staff are able to do that.
It was learnt that the function of the valves controlled the water pressure inside the pipes, causing certain areas to face water shortage.
“Surely, the Water Department has evidence for the Minister to make such a statement.
“If we look at it, there are all kinds of speculations now.
“Some have said that perhaps the sabotage is led by squatters.
“There have been statements from politicians suggesting that certain parties were encouraged to sabotage the water supply, so that there would always be water issues to make the people of Sabah unhappy and angry with the GRS administration.
“It’s not just water issues; there are even allegations from the public that the electricity supply has also been sabotaged with blackouts and power outages believed to weaken the State Government efforts to address the problem,” Zulkarnain said.
“We are also asking the Water Department to always be alert and immediately lodge police report upon detecting signs of sabotage. Don’t remain silent,” he said.
Zulkarnain said few days ago, there was another major pipe burst in the Sepanggar area that caused water disruptions in Masjid Bandaraya and the surrounding areas.
He said some wondered if the pipe burst may also be an act of sabotage or due to old pipe.
“One of the causes of the water issue in Sabah is because of the mistakes made during Warisan’s administration.
“When they were in power, it was believed they (Warisan) terminated contracts of six water concessionaires which involved RM3.7 billion during the then party ruling in Sabah.
“So, when they (Warisan) cancelled those contracts, the companies responsible for managing the water supply and upgrading the treatment plants were affected,” he said.
It takes one, two, or even three years for the impact to be felt. When changing the contractors, it naturally takes time for tender documents and selection processes, he added.
“Even the endorsement process can take up to a year. So, during those six months to one year, for example, there was no progress. That’s why the effects are long-lasting.
“That’s why we see that the statement made by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor about the water issue being partly Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s fault during his administration, is true.
“Coupled with these sabotage elements, all these factors contribute to the water supply issue,” Zulkarnain said.
