KOTA KINABALU – Illegal water connections are costing Sabah between RM150 million and RM180 million a year.
Sabah Water Department director Edward Lingkapo said such problems are also causing water supply disruptions to consumers.
“For many parts of Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Sepanggar, up to eight million litres of water a day are lost or RM160,000 a day, which amounts to RM4.8 million a month.
“Most of these illegal connections are taking place at illegal squatters or under state reserve land, and residents living nearby are the most affected,” he said during an operation against illegal water connections near Menggatal last night.
The department is in the midst of a three-day operation along with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, Kota Kinabalu City Hall and police in several squatter colonies that were identified to have a high rate of electricity and water thefts.
Lingkapo said this operation is also a reaction to the recent electricity supply disruption occurring in residential areas around Sepanggar and Tuaran.
He added that the department cannot charge those committing water theft as they are mostly undocumented migrants and staying in areas without legal land status.
Meanwhile, the operation continues today. – The Vibes, January 25, 2022
