THE youth wing of Warisan has raised alarm over worsening conditions at the only water source serving two rural villages in northern Sabah, warning of mounting health risks amid continued inaction from authorities.
The political group said the natural pond used by residents of Kampung Mampakad Darat 1 and 2 located about 170km from Kota Kinabalu remains without basic infrastructure, leaving it exposed to contamination and environmental threats.
“This is the only water supply for about 52 homes in the area.”
“Unfortunately, the pond is vulnerable to pollution and is not protected against algae growth, silt, or interference from animals,” said Wira Warisan chief Terence Au in a statement.
The two villages lie deep within Pitas, one of the 10 poorest districts in Malaysia, where access to clean water remains a long-standing challenge.
Kampung Mampakad Darat is largely unknown to many outside the district, highlighting what Au sees as a continued failure to prioritise remote rural communities.
According to villagers, the Health Ministry had previously confirmed the water was safe for use — but only if it was maintained and shielded from external pollutants.
Yet no protective infrastructure has been built, prompting frustration from residents and local activists alike.
Au questioned why the water source was left unprotected and whether the area’s elected representative had ever inspected the condition personally.
“How long must villagers continue to depend on an open water source that poses health risks?”
“Where is the state government’s commitment to ensuring clean water access in rural areas like Kampung Mampakad Darat?” he said.
He said access to clean water is a basic human right, and not a luxury.
“We are talking about daily needs, bathing, cooking, drinking.
Yet, until today, residents are relying on an unprotected source with no guaranteed safety,” he said.
Wira Warisan is now calling for immediate intervention from the Pitas District Office, the Sabah State Water Department, the Health Ministry, and the Pitas assemblyman.
He also urged the relevant authorities to present a concrete action plan to the affected villagers without delay.
“If rural welfare is truly a priority, then prove it with action, and not just statements,” Au said. - July 11, 2025
