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KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has identified several major weaknesses in the management of the Rural Water Supply Programme (BALB) in Sabah and Sarawak, which is implemented by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW).

In a report tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, the PAC found that:

• No Comprehensive Master Plan – The Federal Government lacks a comprehensive master plan for the provision of treated rural water in Sabah and Sarawak, leading to projects being carried out without clear direction.
• Lack of Coordination Among Relevant Authorities – Cooperation between the Federal Government, the Sabah and Sarawak State Governments, agencies and local authorities remains weak, affecting the smooth management of the BALB projects.
• Poor Maintenance Management – Completed projects are not accompanied by systematic prevention and recovery plans, resulting in ongoing water supply disruptions in rural areas.
• RM20,000 Ceiling Limit Affects Water Connection – Since 2018, the cost of connecting water from the main source to individual homes has been included in the RM20,000 ceiling per premises, making it difficult for some areas to access clean water supply.
• Homeowners Unable to Afford Water Meters – Many rural residents cannot afford to purchase water meters, preventing them from getting a proper water supply to their homes.

Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, who shared these findings on Facebook, has urged the public to provide their views to raise these issues in upcoming debates in Parliament and the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.

He hopes the Government will take immediate action to address these weaknesses for the wellbeing of the people, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.