Kuala Penyu village still denied piped water, power

Daily Express

2 days ago

Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025
By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Many depend on rain water due to no consistent supply. Kota Kinabalu: Residents of Kg Kiaru continue to grapple with long-standing issues related to water and, at times, electricity supply, a problem that had persisted for generations. Edith Kimtuan, a former resident who moved out in 1973, recalled that living without basic amenities was once considered normal. Now, in 2025, she is shocked that the situation remains unchanged. 'Why is this still happening in Sabah? We are rich in resources, yet the people are suffering. Water is the most basic need for daily life, and electricity comes second. I'm surprised these facilities are still unavailable in my hometown,' she said. She has since lived in Singapore after getting a job there. When she returns for holidays to visit her family, she finds it hard to believe the situation remains the same. The lack of infrastructure had led to a gradual migration from the village, with families across four generations slowly relocating in search of better living conditions. However, she noted that despite the outflow, many residents particularly those living along the coastal area, still remained in the village. She said some houses have large water tanks next to them, but most are empty. She also mentioned that even a Timorese labourer, who used to tap rubber for the family, had left the village, saying his hometown in Indonesia is far better off than Kuala Penyu. She was informed by a government-related official that there weren't enough villagers to justify the delivery of regular water and electricity services in Kuala Penyu. 'But if there were consistent water supply and stable electricity, people would definitely return to their hometowns. It's this lack of basic necessities that drives them away,' she said. She also saw a video clip of Assemblyman Datuk Limus Jury acknowledging the issue but claiming it only affects residents living on higher ground, while those on lower terrain are not impacted, a statement she felt did not reflect the actual situation. Another resident, who declined to be named, insisted that many villagers have been without clean water for decades. They are only occasionally supplied with water by the Water Department. He said that many residents have stopped voicing complaints about the road conditions. Despite numerous roads remaining unsealed, the community had gradually adapted to them. 'What's most critical now is access to clean water, it's a basic necessity for everyday life,' he emphasized. Despite repeatedly seeking assistance from the government, particularly for a more prominent and long-term solution their pleas have continued to fall on deaf ears. 'It's not only the high ground. We've all been struggling. The water supply is unreliable, and electricity outages are frequent. It's frustrating,' the resident 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