The Sabah Water Department has withdrawn its controversial notice banning water pumps after fierce public criticism.

Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the March 3 directive was meant to raise awareness, not enforce penalties.

“The Water department has been instructed to retract that notice,” he told the BorneoVox, Friday.

The notice had warned that installing water pumps after the meter could result in fines of up to RM50,000 or jail time.

Many high-rise residents rely on such pumps due to low water pressure, sparking widespread anger.

Shahelmey said unauthorized pumps disrupt water pressure and could cause pipe contamination.

On the Papar Dam project, he said it remains on hold while other water supply projects move ahead.

These include the Telibong plant expansion, the Ulu Padas and Tawau dams, and tube wells in Sandakan. – March 7, 2025