SANDAKAN: Sandakan MP Vivian Wong called on the Sabah Water Department to improve cooperation and transparency in addressing the district’s worsening water crisis.
She said the water issue in Sandakan, home to an estimated 400,000 people, has reached a critical stage.
“Residents reported disruptions almost every week, with areas like Batu Sapi suffering from persistently low water pressure,” she added.
The situation has become more alarming with the closure of the Hilltop Water Treatment Plant in April last year, where boreholes have dried up, leaving Sandakan solely dependent on the Segaliud and Kinabatangan Water Treatment Plants.
This limited capacity is insufficient to meet the growing demands of the district, and no immediate solution has been announced, adding to the frustration of residents.
Wong said despite water management being under the State Government’s jurisdiction, she is committed to assisting the people of Sandakan.
She expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from the Water Department, which she said hampered efforts to find solutions.
“What I am asking for is accurate information from the Water Department. If water levels are low, give us the reasons. Don’t withhold information out of fear it might be reported in the news. I cannot present vague explanations in Parliament. What I want is collaboration,” Wong said during a press conference.
She also called on the Water Department to step up its operations and ensure all water treatment plants in Sandakan and across Sabah are functioning efficiently, with no machinery breakdowns.
“The people of Sandakan have been suffering for far too long. The Water Department needs to work more effectively, maintain treatment plants properly and ensure there are no machine failures at water facilities,” she added.
As MP, Wong said her role includes raising the issue in Parliament and securing funding, but stressed that the State Government must take responsibility for finding long-term solutions.
“What is the solution? As an MP, I can only bring this matter to Parliament for answers. Since water management falls under the State Government’s jurisdiction, the State Cabinet must act. I am confident that Sabah has the capability to resolve this crisis if the right steps are taken,” Wong said.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice-President Robert Chong Thien Ming demanded immediate action from the Sandakan Water Department (JAS) following serious and frequent and unannounced water disruptions in Sandakan.
During a courtesy visit to the JAS office at Jalan Lintas Sibuga, Chong, accompanied by LDP Complaint Unit personnel, highlighted the worsening situation, which has seen Sandakan residents endure sudden water cuts and low-pressure issues for extended periods.
“Burst pipes, such as the 450mm main pipe, and last-minute shutdowns are becoming the norm, leaving residents angry and demanding answers,” Chong stated.
Chong further criticised the delay in activating the Bandar Leila water pump booster, a completed project that has yet to benefit nearby residents. With mounting criticism on social media, the need for transparency and effective solutions is becoming urgent.
He said according to Assistant District Engineer Soffian Sabri, the key issue is low water pressure caused by the shutdown of Trig Hill Station.
“The station lacks an underground water source, and the supply is insufficient to meet the demands of areas such as Bandar Ramai Ramai, Bandar Leila, and Bandar Nam Tung (Batu Sapi). The department also suspects a pipe leakage and are investigating,” he said.
Chong said he was told that the booster pump is not a substitute for a reserve tank and cannot function effectively without adequate input water. To avoid damaging the pump, the department has no choice but to switch off the pump until there is sufficient supply.
Currently, Sandakan relies entirely on pumps at the Segaliud and Kinabatangan water treatment plants, which are both operating at full capacity.
Chong disclosed that a proposal for a second Segaliud pump house has been submitted to address Sandakan’s growing water demands, but it is still awaiting approval and allocation.
As such, Chong urged the Government to expedite approval for the new pump house as a long-term solution while calling on residents to report pipe leaks promptly to minimise disruptions.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and push for timely updates from the water department,” Chong assured.
Caption: The Hilltop Water Treatment Plant has ceased operation since April last year.
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