Water supply in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and nearby districts has been fully restored following urgent repairs, according to Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Water disruptions resulted from a crack in the main transmission pipe along Jalan Penampang, causing consumers in various parts of the districts to experience no water supply, rationing, and low water pressure.
The repairs were carried out by the Sabah Water Department and Jetama Sdn Bhd on Friday.
“I personally inspected the repair works at around 5pm yesterday and was informed they were completed late that night (February8) . Water pressure is now gradually returning to normal,” he said when attending a function in Putatan on Saturday.
Authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further disruptions.
The scheduled emergency repairs were expected to affect around 800,000 residents in Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, and surrounding areas.
However, as of Sunday (February 9), some residents were still facing disruptions.
Shahelmey also raised concerns over illegal water connections, saying they are a major cause of supply issues in Sabah.
He acknowledged the possibility of sabotage, echoing a recent statement by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Yes, there are such elements, as well as illegal connections and other issues,” he said.
In Sandakan, he said water levels in some tube wells are declining, prompting authorities to look at alternative solutions.
“To alleviate shortages in the short term, we will redistribute water from Kinabatangan to affected areas,” he said.
Three Sandakan townships—Bandar Leila, Ramai-Ramai, and Nam Tung—are among the worst affected due to low water pressure.
Authorities are implementing immediate solutions while planning for long-term water supply stability.
Previously, Sandakan residents faced saline water issues, low pressure, and rationing.
On the recent floods, Shahelmey said there have been no reports of water supply disruptions.
However, he said the Public Works Department is monitoring and assessing road damage caused by flooding. – February 9, 2025
