MUHAMMAD Rasul Rozmiezan didn’t expect his university years to revolve around the rationing of water.
But for the 21-year-old student from Kuching, life at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has become a cycle of storing buckets, skipping showers, and adapting to dry taps that go on for days — sometimes without warning.
“It’s been like this for a while. Sometimes we don’t get water for two or three days straight. We fill up whatever containers we have and try to make it last. There’s only so much we can do,” he said.
Rasul, now in his second year studying sociology, recently put his frustration into words — not in a social media post, but in a formal open letter to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Dated May 23, the letter is a plea for help — not just for himself or the nearly 1,000 Sarawakian students at UMS, but also for their Sabahan friends facing the same issue.
“We’re far from home. We don’t have family here. We’re trying to be strong. But the truth is, this problem affects everyone — not just Sarawakians. My Sabahan friends are also struggling. This isn’t about politics. It’s about dignity,” he said.
In the letter, Rasul describes how prolonged and unpredictable water supply disruptions have taken a toll on students’ lives.
What’s meant to be a place of growth and learning, he says, is being overshadowed by anxiety, discomfort, and poor living conditions.
“Sometimes, I feel like going home,” he admits.
“And it’s not because of Sabah. I love it here. The people are incredibly kind, so down-to-earth. They make you feel welcome, even if you’re not from here. But the water situation — it’s really bad.”
According to students, the issue has persisted for years. Water cuts happen regularly, last for days, and are rarely addressed by campus authorities. Complaints are frequent — but follow-ups, they say, is rare.
And in that silence, Rasul decided to act.
“I just want someone to care,” he says. “We’re not asking for luxury. Just clean water. Just for things to be normal.”
In his letter, Rasul urged the Sarawak Premier to speak up for students — to raise their plight at the national level and ensure their welfare is not forgotten simply because they’re outside their home state.
“I really hope the Premier hears us and speaks on our behalf,” he wrote. “We may be outside Sarawak, but we’re still your students. What you fight for here isn’t just for us — it’s for Sabahans too, who are suffering from the same problem that never seems to end.”
As of now, the Premier’s office has not issued a response. UMS has also not addressed the status of the water supply.
Still, Rasul remains hopeful.
“I just hope someone reads that letter and thinks, ‘This isn’t right. We need to fix this.’ That’s all I’m asking.”
And with that, he returns to his dorm room — where, for now, the water has returned. But the buckets by the door remain. Just in case. - May 25, 2025
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