By Olivia Miwil - March 6, 2025 @ 8:49pm
KOTA KINABALU: The controversial Papar dam project has been put on hold, says Sabah Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
"For the Papar dam, the status is KIV (keep in view) for future use. Now we are already building other infrastructure to accommodate the demand," he told the media after launching the bitumen, cold premix and asphalt Buton products at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park near here.
The Papar dam, which was supposed to meet the increasing water demand from the west coast of Sabah, was mooted over 10 years ago. It was originally known as the Kaiduan Dam project, which was to be built in Moyog (Penampang).
Non-governmental organisations and opposition lawmakers had opposed the construction of the dam, located about 40km southwest of the state capital, for various reasons, including floods and possible displacement of villagers.
In 2023, it was reported that the state cabinet would decide whether to start the mega project if a study could prove its feasibility.
Shahelmey, who is also the deputy chief minister, said there were ongoing efforts to stabilise water supply pressure in affected areas, such as Kota Kinabalu and Putatan.
The completion of several projects would help achieve the objective. The pipelines from the Telibung 2 Phase 2 plant would supply 80 million litres per day (MLD) to northern Kota Kinabalu, whereas the Kasigui Urgent Water Supply Scheme would provide five MLD for Putatan and the city.
The construction of the Ulu Padas Dam would supply up to 6,000 MLD to other areas.
The Tawau Dam is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026, while in Sandakan, the tube wells project has been reactivated, supplying 3.5 MLD to its coverage areas.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government is also exploring options to source raw water from Sungai Kinabatangan for Sandakan district.
Next month, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is expected to launch the construction of a storage tank with a treated water capacity of 300 MLD in Kinarut, as part of the Ulu Padas Water Supply Scheme.
"Once completed, the water supply for Sabah's west coast is expected to be sufficient for the next 50 years.
"The water storage tank project in Kinarut has also drawn attention due to the recent discovery of two World War II bombs at the site. Authorities have been informed, and further assessments are being carried out to ensure safety before proceeding with construction."
Shahelmey said the ministry had retracted a notice issued by Sabah Water Department regarding the crackdown on the installation of water pumps that did not comply with guidelines.
"The notice was meant as an awareness campaign rather than an enforcement action. Direct water pumping from post-metre connections not only affects overall water pressure in the distribution system but also increases the risk of pipe contamination if there are leaks or bursts," he said.
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