Sabah gets RM320 mil to deploy short-term fix on water problem

KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has allocated RM320.25 million to address Sabah’s water issues, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 

The funds will be used for six short-term measures, encompassing 20 projects in districts including Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Putatan, Papar, Beaufort, Keningau, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and Sandakan, he said in a statement here today. 

Hajiji, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya to discuss Sabah’s water supply problem. 

They also presented the state’s long-term plans, which include the construction of two dam projects in Papar and Upper Padas, Sipitang, to ensure sustainable water supply in Sabah.

Hajiji praised the prime minister’s prompt decision and expects the projects to be completed within six to 12 months. 

The meeting was attended by officials from the Finance Ministry, Works Ministry, Water Department, Economy Ministry, Natural Resources Environment and Climate Change Ministry, the minister for Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions, the chief secretary to the government, and relevant federal departments and agencies.

Anwar called for the immediate establishment of a task force involving state and federal ministries to chart the best way forward. 

During the state Kaamatan closing ceremony, the prime minister announced his intention to chair a high-level meeting to address Sabah’s water supply problem. 

The meeting also included the presence of Kelantan’s menteri besar and his delegation, who briefed the prime minister on Kelantan’s water supply issues. – The Vibes, June 1, 2023