Kuala Penyu villagers dismiss Limus' claim of no water issues

Daily Express

17-07-2025

Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025
By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: Banner showing the villagers' frustration. KUALA PENYU: Residents in several areas of Kuala Penyu, including Bukit Nuri Menumbok, have voiced growing frustration over the persistent clean water supply issues, blaming the Sabah Water Department for its failure to deliver consistent access. Moha Lee Fin, a local resident, told Daily Express that water is only available a few times a week and not on a daily basis as it should be.
Advertisement 'We are not ungrateful, but water is a basic necessity that should be supplied every day,' she said on Tuesday. Moha also dismissed recent claims made by the area's assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Works, Datuk Limus Jury, who stated that there have been no water supply issues in Kuala Penyu since Ramadan. 'That statement is completely out of touch with reality. Many villages are still without consistent water supply,' she stressed, adding that some villages like Kampung Kiaru and Sawangan have reportedly been without piped water since 2016. 'Sometimes the water that comes out is murky, like Milo. This is unacceptable,' she said. She raised concerns about emergency situations, such as when water is needed to bathe the deceased. 'Tank water alone isn't sufficient for a whole week's use,' she added. 'The problem also affects schoolchildren, who are forced to bathe using bottled water, and mothers with newborn babies. How are they expected to care for their infants without clean water?' she asked. Moha also pointed out that there is a large water tank and pump in her village, but it doesn't function and serves no purpose beyond being a 'decorative structure'. Another resident, Eya Dien, acknowledged that a RM70 million water pipeline project is currently underway but said uncertainty remains about when it will be completed. 'There is a water pump in Kampung Bukit Nuri, and we hope the project won't be abandoned. Hopefully, this will finally resolve the water crisis in Menumbok,' she said. However, Eya voiced concern that the project might end up being another white elephant, with large pipes, pumps, and tanks in place but no actual water reaching homes. She warned of the danger this poses in emergencies. 'What if there's a fire and the fire brigade can't use the hydrant because there's no water? This is something the government must seriously consider,' she urged. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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