PENAMPANG: The Federal Government did not engage with local authorities before announcing the Labuan Jetty upgrade, said Sabah Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya.
He said the Sabah Ports Authority confirmed this prior to the Dec 15 announcement by Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
“Instead, the engagement was done a few days later.
“The jetty managed by Suria Capital Sdn Bhd has been deemed unfit for use since 2023 due to its dilapidated conditions and affected foundation columns.
“They have suggested to use the old Kota Kinabalu Jetty but it is being used for roll-on/roll-off but that will only disrupt operations.
“Then another suggestion was at the South Jetty but a few upgrades and fixes are needed and Suria is weighing this option.
“Allegations that I did not ‘turun padang’ are baseless. I deny this as the fact is the existing jetty is unfit for use,” he said at Kasigui Water Treatment Plant, Tuesday, to check on the Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) progress.
The project, capable of producing five million litres a day, started in May 2024 and is expected to be completed in May this year.
He said physical works at the site had begun but were setback by minor technical issues.
“Solutions have been found and development is back on track to meet the deadline,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said a few Penampang folks have complained about the rationing hours (8pm to 6am).
Shahelmey said the Sabah Water Department confirms non-renewable water is still the main factor for low water pressure besides burst pipes.
“The Water Department is doing water pressure balancing coordination in the West Coast area.
“However, we are relieved that supply has gradually recovered today.
“The Sabah Water Department must be more alert of these matters, especially during the festive season where usage is expected to increase,” he said.
