Sabah Water Dept urged to apologise to UMS over 'misleading' statement
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah State Water Department faces criticism for downplaying water supply issues at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia Sabah Chapter demands a public apology to the university and its students.
'The department's statement is misleading, disrespectful, and damaging to a respected institution of higher learning,' said the foundation's Sabah chairman David Chan, on Tuesday (June 3).
Chan described the situation as 'completely unacceptable,' noting the department blamed UMS' internal systems without prior technical consultation or verification.
'UMS employs experts, including engineers with Master's and PhD qualifications. Suggesting poor management dismisses their capabilities and insults the academic community,' he said.
Chan also urged the department to retract its statement and work with UMS to resolve the water issue long-term.
'Public agencies must uphold transparency and professionalism, not shift blame or damage reputations,' he added.
Chan called on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and relevant ministries to review the conduct of senior officers, citing eroded public trust in the agency.
The controversy began with a Sabah Water Department statement on May 29, claiming UMS received sufficient water and any shortages were due to internal issues.
In response, UMS vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansur expressed outrage, calling the claim 'a lie' and 'insulting to our intelligence'.
'If there was enough water, students wouldn't protest. Saying the supply is sufficient is a lie. It's insulting. We are not stupid,' Kasim said.
He explained the problem lies in UMS' higher elevation and water distribution from the R13 tank, which also supplies nearby areas.
Despite its proximity, UMS often receives water last due to its location on higher ground.
'Our job is to teach students, not provide water,' Kasim said, adding the university had sent letters to the department since 2020 with no response.
He refuted claims of faulty equipment, stating that UMS has three functioning pumps.
'When one broke, it was fixed in three days. The system works when there's enough water. Do not use the pump as an excuse,' said Kasim.
UMS, serving over 23,000 students and staff daily, relies on tube wells and rainwater harvesting, which provide only a fraction of the 3.5 to 5mil litres needed each day.
Earlier, UMS student group Suara Mahasiswa urged the university to sue the water department, demanding RM100mil in damages for disruptions and the financial burden on students.
A peaceful student rally is scheduled for June 21 and 22.
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