THE Federal Government, through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), has committed RM1 million towards a short-term water supply intervention plan at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), aimed at alleviating recurring disruptions affecting student residential areas.
The initiative was announced on 14 July by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, during a site visit by the PETRA Skuad team to UMS.
The intervention, undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Water Supply (JBA), PETRA, and UMS, is expected to directly benefit more than 3,000 students—particularly those residing at Kolej Kediaman Tun Mustapha and Kolej Kediaman Tun Fuad, which have been frequently affected by inconsistent water supply.
Key measures under the plan include the construction of a dedicated distribution channel to connect existing groundwater sources developed by UMS, the addition of an underground water tank with a 0.13 million-litre capacity to bolster reserves, and the installation of automated modulating valves to stabilise water levels in the university’s service tanks.
To ensure adequate water pressure reaches student housing, JBA will also install in-line booster pumps using an existing bypass system built by UMS. These upgrades are expected to be completed within a month and will significantly enhance the efficiency of the university’s water supply system.
“The Federal Government thanks the Sabah State Government, the Ministry of Higher Education, UMS management, PETRA’s Department of Water Supply, the Sabah State Water Department (JANS), and all technical agencies involved for their cooperation in making this intervention possible,” PETRA said in its statement.
The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising student welfare in line with the Malaysia MADANI philosophy, which promotes sustainability, well-being and compassion for the needs of the people. - July 14, 2025
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