KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah Works Ministry has found evidence of some private transporters profiting from the misery of consumers frequently plagued with water cuts.
Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya disclosed that some transporters have been inflating the prices of water supply sent to consumers.
However, he said the ministry needs to gather comprehensive details on the matter before taking action.
“I am currently in the process of obtaining the facts. The water transporters have no right to raise the prices like this,” said Shahelmey.
He revealed that the approved rate for water from the Sabah Water Department depot was only RM3 per cubic metre, but some transporters were charging significantly higher, ranging between RM14 and RM28 per cubic metre.
“This comes as a surprise to us too. The transported water was supposed to be used in emergency cases or areas where water is not available,” he told reporters here after launching the ground-breaking ceremony of the Putatan sports complex near here today.
Shahelmey acknowledged that selling treated water is permissible during emergencies or in areas lacking water access, but he expressed concern that the actions of private transporters have become “uncontrollable”.
“We are going to track them down and put a stop to this matter. Just give me some time to get all my facts before I can take action,” he said.
Shahelmey previously said no companies have been given the rights to sell treated water for profits, amid accusations from state opposition leaders that the state Water Department have been working in cahoots with private companies to do so.
It is also understood that Warisan information chief Datuk Azis Jamman will be lodging a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission over the alleged profiteering tomorrow morning.
Shahelmey noted that the state ration on water supply started in May remains in effect for consumers in Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, and Papar.
Shahelmey also noted the salinity of the treated water supply in Sandakan has dropped following repairs to the gate control system in Segaliud in May.
He said the latest salinity reading was 212 mg/l, which is regarded as good quality.
Meanwhile, Shahelmey maintained that the RM320 million in federal funds allocated for the implementation of short-term fixes for Sabah water supply issues has not arrived yet.
Shahelmey however said the state could no longer afford to wait and see when the funds would arrive and action had to be taken to resolve Sabah’s water woes.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the allocation on June 1 and since then, there have already been two technical meetings held on the implementation of the projects between federal and state officers.
Unfortunately, the RM320 million to fund the short-term repair projects has not yet been disbursed to the state. – The Vibes, July 26, 2023
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