Kota Kinabalu: Sabah should develop a comprehensive State Water Supply Master Plan with clear, measurable targets and a defined implementation timeline to address persistent water supply issues across the State, said Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
He said a long-term plan is needed to ensure all Sabahans have access to treated water and to strengthen the State’s water security.
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“Water supply is not merely a basic amenity. It is a daily necessity that determines family health, sanitation, children’s education, economic activities and quality of life,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly.
He said the proposed Water Supply Master Plan should serve as a roadmap for infrastructure development while providing greater accountability through clearly defined goals and implementation timelines.
Madius said at least 12 villages along the Tamparuli-Ranau Road have yet to receive a comprehensive treated water supply, namely Kg Ruhiang, Kg Kapa, Kg Kopiringan, Kg Loputung, Kg Gayoratau, Kg Bundu Tohuri, Kg Minangkob, Kg Togop, Kg Sinalapak, Kg Kelawat, Kg Parad and Kg Bongol.
He said many villages in Mukim Tenghilan also continue to face similar challenges, underscoring the need for a statewide strategy to address water supply shortcomings.
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He urged the Government to immediately include the affected villages in its treated water supply upgrading plans.
At the same time, he sought clarification on the total investment required for Sabah to achieve a 30 per cent reserve margin for treated water supply throughout the State and reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) to below 25 per cent.
“When will this target be achieved, and when will NRW be reduced to below 25 per cent?” he asked.
In another development, Madius called on the State Government to expedite land surveys, application processing and the issuance of Native Title (NT) grants to ease the burden on the people.
According to him, the people no longer wish to wait years to obtain legal ownership of their land.
“Every additional allocation provided to the Lands and Surveys Department must genuinely accelerate service delivery to the people.
“Land is a place to live, a source of livelihood, a family legacy and a guarantee for our children’s future,” he said.
Madius, who is also the Tuaran Member of Parliament, said land is more than just an economic asset for many Sabahans.
“Therefore, I would like to know what measures have been, are being and will be taken by the Government to accelerate land surveys, application processing and the issuance of Native Title grants.
“How will these additional allocations help reduce the backlog of applications, particularly in rural areas?” he asked.
Madius said the transformation of land administration is not merely about digitisation.
“What is more important is improving integrity, efficiency and public confidence in the Government’s service delivery system.
“I propose that the land administration system be strengthened through the use of biometric technology, integration with National Registration Department records and periodic audits to ensure that all land-related matters are carried out transparently and with integrity,” he added.
Madius also proposed that the State Government review the allowance for Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) secretaries in view of their growing workload.
He said resolving the people’s problems also depends on the strength of government service delivery institutions at the grassroots level.
“JKKK secretaries now shoulder increasingly significant administrative responsibilities, including managing public data, coordinating government programmes, preparing reports, attending meetings and handling various village administrative matters.
“Hence, the current RM400 monthly allowance received by JKKK secretaries is no longer commensurate with their responsibilities,” he said.
In light of this, Madius proposed increasing the allowance for JKKK secretaries from RM400 to RM800 a month.
“This recognition is important to ensure that they can continue to carry out their duties efficiently and with dedication,” he added.
He also welcomed the Government’s earlier decision to increase the allowance for JKKK chairmen.
In the education sector, Madius appealed for the reinstatement of the Tamparuli District Education Office, noting that it had previously existed before being merged with the Tuaran District Education Office.
He said the move would be consistent with the Government’s decision to re-establish the Membakut District Education Office.
“I hope the same principle can be considered for Tamparuli. The restoration of the office would strengthen education management and improve service delivery to schools in Tamparuli, Tenghilan and surrounding areas,” he said.
Madius expressed support for the Supplementary Supply Bill 2026 while stressing that every ringgit approved should be spent prudently to address the people’s concerns.
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