KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Water Department (JANS) has been called out again, this time by Deputy Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud, following the ongoing water disruption in Sepanggar.

"I urge JANS to take drastic steps in this situation. This is no longer a normal water supply issue but a water crisis.

"Over 300,000 residents of Sepanggar are depending on JANS's efficiency in resolving this issue," he said in a statement.

This month, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, reminded the water department to serve its careline and answer calls of complaints by the public.

It was not long after Shahelmey's statement when Kampung Suang Parai villagers staged a protest over a serious water disruption in their area.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously expressed his willingness to assist the state government in resolving infrastructure and water issues in the state. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/01/872077/anwar-announces-rm1-bi...

Mustapha urged the department to prioritize and expedite the completion of the Telibong Dua Water Treatment Plant project.

In another development, Mustapha said he was waiting for a meeting call from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) to address the issue of squatter settlements in the Sepanggar area. Those settlements have been linked to water supply theft in the past.

"I am waiting for a meeting call from the DBKK to get a detailed picture of the issue of squatter settlements that has recently been linked to water theft activities.

"A new mechanism needs to be thought out and studied to address the issue of squatter settlements in the Sepanggar area.

"At the same time, the needs and interests of Sepanggar residents are my top priority in this issue," Mustapha added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/892694/another-callout-sabah-water-department-time-dep-fed-minister