Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party Vice President David Ong said the government needs to establish a 30-year Master Plan for Water Security to ensure every administration, regardless of political changes, follows a structured and long-term strategy to address Sabah’s water needs.
“The frequent abandonment of previous water policies due to political transitions has only worsened the crisis and a stable, data-driven plan must be in place to guarantee water security for future generations,” he said in a statement, here, Tuesday.
Additionally, he urged the opposition to stop politicising the water issue for their own gain and instead contribute meaningful and practical ideas to resolve the crisis.
“This issue affects every Sabahan and it requires actions, not just talk,” he said.
A delegation from the party led by its President Datuk Chin Su Phin recently visited the Sabah Water Department to relay public concerns and gain first-hand insights into the challenges faced by the Department.
The meeting provided a clear picture of the on-going water supply issue in the State, including rising demand, aging infrastructure and illegal water tapping.
The department is pushing ahead with several ongoing projects, most of which are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
These new works are expected to yield approximately 300 million litres per day (MLD) of water, more than enough to cover the current shortage of 120 to 200 MLD, ensuring that Sabah’s water needs are adequately met.
David urged the department to expedite all ongoing water infrastructure projects so that Sabahans can have a more stable and reliable water supply as soon as possible.
Additionally, he urged the department to improve its digital services to enhance efficiency and transparency.
“The department’s mobile application should be made more user-friendly to enable easier online billing and payment.
“All payment counters should transition to cashless transactions by Jan 1, 2026 and operating hours should be extended to 5pm to accommodate the public.
“Additionally, manual documentation for official receipts should be eliminated and a fully digital system should be implemented,” he said.
He said the public complaint system also needs to be more accessible, with a dedicated smartphone number where leaks and suspected illegal connections can be reported via WhatsApp with photo evidence, ensuring faster response and action.
“The department will also auto-issue a Complaint Reference number for every complaint, similar to Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu’s system ensuring effective tracking and prompt action,” he said.
He also urged the department to intensify enforcement against illegal water tapping, which has significantly contributed to Sabah’s water shortages.
“Stricter action must be taken against those responsible, as illegal connections not only waste treated water but also burden paying consumers.
“The public is encouraged to report illegal water activities and support the ongoing infrastructure upgrades to help prevent further losses,” he said.
