Sabah Water supply adequate and can last at least two months, says minister

By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my 


KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s water supply remains sufficient for now and could last at least two months despite ongoing hot spell, said state Public Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

“At the moment, water supply is still sufficient, but we must be cautious. We need to use water wisely and preserve it as we are not sure how long the dry weather will last,” he told the media after visiting the Queen Elizabeth hospital here.

Present were Sabah Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Mojungki and Queen Elizabeth hospital director Datuk Dr Abd Kahar Abd Asis.

Malaysian Meteorological department reported that hot weather is expected until mid of the year.

Dr Joachim said that while there has been occasional rain, it has been neither heavy nor sustained enough to significantly replenish water sources.


For Pulau Sebatik in Tawau, the deputy chief minister said the situation is more challenging due to limited water catchment capacity.

“Sebatik is different as it is an island with no large catchment area and depends on external sources, but we are working to address the issue."

Few days ago, it was reported that the island, which is about 40-minute boat ride to Tawau, is facing a critical water shortage that could only last for a week.

Apart from that, Papar member of parliament Datuk Armizan Ali had also raised of recurring water shortage in the constituency due to shortage of treated water and saltwater intrusion affecting key treatment plants.