Kota Kinabalu: The water supply disruption at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), which sparked criticism and public concern over the weekend, was resolved within 24 hours, said State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Shahelmey said he was informed by both the Sabah State Water Department and UMS that water pressure into the campus’ main tank, R13 Tank, began recovering from 2am on Sunday, with three million litres successfully pumped in.
Supply to the campus had improved by the time the university issued its public statement later that day.
“JANS (Water dept) acted swiftly once the issue was brought to their attention through social media and managed to restore supply in a short period of time,” he said when contacted, Sunday.
Earlier, a video went viral on social media showing UMS students walking in small groups — carrying towels, soap, and toiletries in recyclable bags — to the Chancellor Hall to bathe amid the campus-wide water shortage.
It clarified that UMS is supplied via the Telibong Water Treatment Plant and is not part of an area facing persistent water shortages.
However, rapid development in the Sepanggar and Likas areas — where UMS is located — has led to occasional low water pressure, particularly in higher areas and at the end of the supply network.
JANS said such disruptions often occur during the dry season when the turbidity levels at the treatment plant rise, temporarily affecting operations.
The department also noted that it had not received any direct or formal complaints from UMS in the latest incident. A month earlier, water supply stabilisation efforts were carried out for Sepanggar and UMS, but the recent surge in demand from the campus was not reported, which delayed further mitigation.
To address long-term needs, the government is currently constructing the Telibong Water Treatment Plant 2 Phase 2 project, which aims to significantly increase water capacity to meet rising demand in Kota Kinabalu, including institutions like UMS.
The project is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Earlier Parti Warisan criticised “the Government’s failure to uphold students’ basic rights and dignity as well as inability to provide even basic amenities at a major public university”.
Commenting on viral images showing UMS students collecting rainwater, its youth wing chief for Sepanggar, Mohd Affandi Arif, said the students deserve real answers, a concrete action plan and a clear timeline — not hollow political statements.
He questioned a July 2024 statement which said the issue had been fully resolved and accused the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition of being preoccupied with politicising other issues than safeguarding student welfare.
Affandi took aim at the Federal Government, particularly Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, who recently promised immediate action through the Higher Education Ministry.
“How many more promises before something is actually done?” he asked.
The university said it continues to coordinate with the department and relevant agencies to expedite full restoration, while managing distribution on campus and tapping into alternative sources like tubewells.
“Students are advised to use water prudently, maintain hygiene, and stay informed through the official UMS app, social media, and college channels,” the statement read.
For any assistance, students may contact the College Residential Office at 088-320060.
