
Sabah govt urged to act on UMS water crisis urgently
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government should act on the water supply disruption at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) urgently, says National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) chairman David Chan.
He said the crisis reflects poorly on the government's ability to provide basic public utilities, especially to institutions of national importance.
"UMS is a prestigious university hosting thousands of local and international students.It is troubling that despite earlier promises of reform since the state government took over water management, the problem remains unresolved," said Chan on Wednesday (May 28).
He described it as unacceptable and added that the failure to provide a stable water supply undermines the university's credibility.
Chan questioned why the issue has persisted for so long and urged the authorities to offer a transparent explanation and implement immediate corrective measures.
"Students have reportedly been left in limbo, with some even lodging complaints with the Premier of Sarawak, indicating growing frustration and desperation," he added.
He outlined several interim solutions, including increasing water tanker deliveries, enhancing pump pressure and flow, and considering underground water drilling and mobile filtration systems.
Chan said the welfare and dignity of students must be prioritised, emphasising that UMS, as a national asset, deserves better support.
"We urge the government to act swiftly and provide a clear roadmap to address this issue. This is no longer just an inconvenience. It is a matter of public trust and responsibility," he said.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has pledged to bring the issue to the attention of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
This follows an open letter by Muhammad Rasul Rozmiezan, a 21-year-old Sarawakian student at UMS, detailing the severe water issues.
Rasul described days without running water, reliance on stored water, and a lack of urgency from campus authorities.
He appealed for action on behalf of both Sarawakian and Sabahan students, stressing that the crisis is not a state-specific problem.
Although Abang Johari acknowledged the issue, he stated it was beyond his jurisdiction but promised to escalate it to the federal ministry.
Neither UMS nor the ministry has publicly responded yet.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
13 minutes ago
- The Star
Warisan calls for more Sabahan representation in judiciary, JAC
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan has called for greater Sabahan representation in the higher judiciary and the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), raising longstanding concerns about East Malaysia's exclusion from key national decision-making bodies. The party's legal advisor, Chin Tek Ming, said it was deeply troubling that not a single Sabahan currently sits on the nine-member JAC, which is tasked with nominating judges to Malaysia's superior courts. "The judiciary must reflect the diverse fabric of Malaysia, inclusive of voices from East Malaysia," he said in a statement. "Strengthening Sabahan representation will enhance the credibility and inclusiveness of our judiciary and reaffirm our national unity." Chin said the upcoming retirements of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim in July make it even more urgent to address the imbalance. While he welcomed the promotion of former Kota Kinabalu High Court judge Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng to the Court of Appeal, Chin noted that such progress remains the exception rather than the norm. He stressed the need for deliberate efforts to appoint more Sabahans to top judicial positions, including seats on the JAC. Chin proposed that respected retired judges from Sabah, such as former Chief Justice Tun Richard Malanjum and former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah, be appointed to the JAC. He said their distinguished service and deep understanding of Borneo's legal, cultural, and societal context would bring critical value to the commission's deliberations. "Their inclusion would not only provide regional balance but also strengthen the judiciary with perspectives grounded in justice, integrity, and independence," he said. Chin also called for long-term reforms to address the persistent under-representation of Bornean judges at the appellate level. "We need a fairer system that recognises the imbalance in numbers between Peninsular and Bornean judges," he said. "Right now, Bornean judges are structurally disadvantaged in promotion pathways simply because they are fewer in number." To ensure equitable advancement, Chin urged the establishment of a fixed minimum number of judges from Sabah and Sarawak in the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. He also suggested that Bornean judges be assessed within their own promotion pools. He said such reforms would help retain Bornean judicial experience, especially in handling cases involving native laws, customary practices, and regional issues - areas requiring local knowledge and sensitivity. Chin further urged the government and judiciary to ensure that qualified Sabahans, including retired judges, are considered for all future appointments to the appellate courts and the JAC. "This would reflect the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and uphold the constitutional rights of Sabahans to participate fully in national institutions," he said. "There's no shortage of qualified Sabahan judges, past and present. What we lack is a mechanism to ensure they are fairly considered and promoted based on merit and experience."


Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Reinstate direct Kuching-Pontianak flight to revive tourism, trade, S'wak activist tells govt
Peter (front) in a group photo with the Sarawak delegation in West Kalimantan. MIRI (June 6): Social activist Peter John Jaban has called on the government to urgently reinstate the direct flight between Kuching and Pontianak, emphasising that improved air connectivity is crucial to facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. He raised the issue following a recent overland trip to West Kalimantan, which he led alongside a delegation of 50 Sarawakian business leaders. While the mission was successful, the group faced nearly four hours of delays at Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) checkpoints due to long queues and complicated paperwork. 'This journey underscored the urgent need for a direct flight. The land route simply cannot substitute for air travel in terms of speed, comfort, and efficiency. 'A direct connection is vital, not only for convenience but for maintaining bilateral ties,' he said in a statement. Peter expressed hope that both Indonesian and Malaysian authorities would prioritise and expedite the reinstatement of the Kuching-Pontianak air service, which has been suspended since March 2024. He pointed out that communities on both sides of the border have been adversely affected, as the suspension impacts livelihoods directly. 'This is not just a flight route, it is a lifeline. Its suspension has disrupted cross-border tourism, hindered medical and educational travel, and slowed down vital cultural and economic exchanges that have long flourished between our people,' he said. Before the flight suspension, thousands of travellers relied on the direct connection each month. Peter said without it, passengers are forced to transit through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, resulting in longer, more costly, and physically exhausting journeys, especially for those seeking medical care in Sarawak. 'Quick access via air is not a luxury; it is a necessity,' he stressed, citing Sarawak's rising status as a medical tourism hub, particularly for Indonesian patients seeking affordable, quality treatment. He also argued that reinstating the flight is critical for small businesses, local tour operators, and the hospitality sector as the region strives to recover from economic challenges. Furthermore, Peter highlighted that restoring this air link would support broader regional integration under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework, serving as a vital bridge for cross-border development. In this regard, he also urged AirAsia and other airlines to demonstrate their commitment to regional growth and connectivity. 'This is not merely a logistical issue, it is a matter of fairness, development, and cooperation. 'The people of Kalimantan and Sarawak deserve better connectivity and the opportunity to thrive together,' said Peter. direct flight kalimantan Kuching Peter John Jaban


Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
UMS water crisis warrants MACC probe: Shafie
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 Text Size: Shafie called for transparency in investigating the contractors and water concessionaires involved in the area, questioning their track record and whether contracts were awarded transparently. Kota Kinabalu: Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal wants the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the prolonged water crisis at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), describing the situation as 'a national shame.' The water shortage has left more than 23,000 students and staff at the public university struggling with basic necessities for days, forcing them to queue with pails to bathe and purchase bottled water while trying to focus on their studies. Advertisement 'The prolonged water crisis at UMS is no longer just a local issue but has become a national shame,' Shafie said. 'When students at a major public university are forced to go days without clean water to drink, cook and bathe, it reflects a deep failure in governance and planning and shows no compassion,' he said. The university relies on the R13 tank that also serves Hospital Likas and nearby commercial zones. When water levels fall below 0.5 meters, the entire system fails. Despite numerous reports and letters to the Sabah Water Department, Shafie claimed no formal action has been taken. Adding to the controversy, the Department publicly said that water supply was sufficient, a claim later contradicted by UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansur. 'This raises serious doubts about transparency and internal accountability within the Department,' Shafie said. He said nearly five years have passed since GRS took power with no meaningful progress on resolving the water crisis. 'If real planning had been done, no student would be living through water shortages in 2025,' he said. Shafie called for transparency in investigating the contractors and water concessionaires involved in the area, questioning their track record and whether contracts were awarded transparently. 'I therefore call upon the MACC to investigate who the contractor or water concessionaire is in this area. What is their track record? Were contracts awarded transparently? Is there corruption or mismanagement at play? 'If the Sabah government has nothing to hide then it should have no issue welcoming the investigation by the MACC,' he added. The water crisis has prompted student protests, with many forced to seek alternative housing arrangements while dealing with the basic necessity shortage. 'It is no wonder the students are protesting because they are demanding basic human dignity. Water is not a political game. It is a human right,' he said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia