Latest news with #JANS
Daily Express
10 hours ago
- General
- Daily Express
Vice-Chancellor: UMS, Water Department must get their act together
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Rahim Matnin Text Size: Dr Kasim expressed appreciation to the State Government and JANS for their commitment to resolving the matter. Kota Kinabalu: UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said close cooperation between the university and the Sabah Water Department (JANS) is crucial in tackling the water supply issues at the university. He said with a campus community of more than 23,000, a reliable and sufficient water supply is essential for the continuity of academic activities and overall campus welfare. Advertisement 'We have 23,000 students, as well as lecturers and administrators. In addition, we have visiting professors and international students. So what is important is the water supply is stable,' he said. Dr Kasim expressed appreciation to the State Government and JANS for their commitment to resolving the matter. 'UMS has been in Sabah for 30 years. We've produced over 100,000 graduates, specialists and professionals in various fields. So cooperation to resolve the water issue is very much needed now,' he said. According to him, the water issue at UMS is not a major problem and can be resolved amicably through discussions and mutual understanding. 'The problem has been overly politicised. In truth, it's a small issue between UMS and JANS. If we can resolve that, there's really no problem,' he added. He expressed gratitude to the State Government for its ongoing support of UMS over the years in various forms, including scholarships, research grants and academic endowments. 'The State Government has contributed significantly to UMS. So if matters such as water supply can also be given proper attention, it would be very helpful. And thankfully, there has been public awareness,' he said. He also thanked the public and netizens for their concern about the water issues affecting UMS students. Dr Kasim said the water supply on campus has already begun to stabilise, especially with the current semester break and the expectation of rainfall in the coming week. 'Right now, the water supply has improved. It's the semester break, and rain is forecasted next week. We hope the water supply remains consistent. Of course, we understand there are challenges such as piping and infrastructure, and we take note of that,' he added. He also thanked Shahelmey for holding the press conference to clarify the current situation and dispel any misunderstandings. * 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
Daily Express
10 hours ago
- General
- Daily Express
Better water supply by July: Short and long term solutions being looked into
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Rahim Matnin Text Size: Shahelmey (middle) speaking at the press conference, with Ridhwan (second right), Chee (right), Dr Kasim (second left) and Dr Rosalam (left). Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Water Department (JANS), is taking proactive measures to address the water supply issues at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). These include the installation of new indicators and the implementation of the Telibong II Phase II pipeline project, which is expected to be completed by July. Advertisement Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya said a series of discussions and site visits between JANS and UMS, coordinated by his Ministry, had been carried out to identify both short- and long-term solutions. 'To tackle challenges such as water theft, incomplete pipeline installation and other contributing factors, we have urged JANS and UMS to strengthen cooperation so that this issue can be minimised for the benefit of the UMS community,' he told a press conference at his Ministry, Thursday. Also present were Works Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Ridhwan Roger Linus, State Water Department Director Chee Chun Chieh, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir. Dr Rosalam Sarbatly. Shahelmey said both JANS and UMS agreed to enhance collaboration on technical aspects and communications, including pump operations and internal water distribution within the campus. 'JANS is committed to ensuring a sufficient and consistent water supply to Tank R13 and will also cooperate with UMS regarding pump operations. The existing indicator at Tank R13 will be replaced with a digital indicator which has been ordered,' he said, adding the digital indicator is expected to be installed within a week. Shahelmey said he would personally inspect the installation and involve UMS officials to ensure alignment on pump operations. He also said JANS is ready to provide guidance and support to UMS in managing the internal distribution system, if required. Asked about the severity of the water disruptions at UMS, he said the situation had been relatively stable since mid-May. 'Based on our records, the situation has improved. We hope close cooperation between JANS and UMS will ensure continued stability, and once Telibong II Phase II is completed, the situation should improve further,' he said. Commenting on the root causes of the disruptions, Shahelmey pointed to several factors, including possible miscommunication between JANS and UMS about water level indicators and rampant illegal water connections in Sepanggar, which have hampered enforcement efforts. 'We are addressing the issues now and hope there will be no further miscommunication. External challenges such as illegal connections remain a major hurdle for JANS,' he added. He also revealed that the Government is reviewing legal options to introduce stricter laws against illegal water connections. In terms of funding, Shahelmey said to date, RM5 million has been channelled by the Federal Government, including RM3 million for the construction of nine tube wells following the Prime Minister's visit to UMS two years ago. An additional RM2 million was allocated by the Higher Education Ministry. However, water from the tube wells is only used for certain purposes, not for general consumption, as UMS requires at least 5 million litres of water daily. On the progress of the Telibong II Phase II pipeline installation, Shahelmey said the project is expected to be fully completed by the end of June or early July, which would help stabilise water distribution in the Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu areas. 'Once completed, the volume of treated water from the Telibong II plant will increase, resulting in a more stable supply to the affected areas,' he said. He said water pressure also remains an issue because although both Telibong I and II plants can produce 160 million litres per day (MLD), only 105 MLD can currently be delivered due to incomplete pipeline works. 'Once the new pipeline is ready, we will be able to deliver the remaining 55 MLD,' he added. On the Kasigui Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) project, Shahelmey said it is being carried out by Jetama Berhad and, although delayed by a month due to unpredictable weather, it is expected to be operational and produce treated water supply by the end of this month. 'Concrete works for the main slab have been completed and the modular unit installation is ongoing. Once operational, it will supply an additional 5 MLD of treated water to Kota Kinabalu and Putatan,' he said. Shahelmey hoped all planned projects would be completed on schedule to ensure sufficient and sustainable water supply for the people of Sabah, particularly in the West Coast areas. Meanwhile, Shahelmey denied and described as baseless the allegations by Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin who alleged political bias and lack of road maintenance in his constituency. 'The route mentioned (by Bung), from Batu 32 Sandakan through Kinabatangan to Lahad Datu and Kunak, is a Federal road currently undergoing construction as part of the Pan Borneo Highway project. Maintenance works are the responsibility of the appointed contractors,' 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
Barnama
a day ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Water Supply At UMS Stabilises After Misunderstanding Resolved
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya KOTA KINABALU, June 5 (Bernama) -- The water supply disruption plaguing Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was caused by a misunderstanding between the university and the Sabah Water Department (JANS) regarding the existing indicator at the R13 water tank. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also the State Works Minister said the issue is currently being addressed, and the current indicator would be replaced with a digital version within a week. 'A series of discussions between JANS and UMS, coordinated by the Sabah Works Ministry, as well as site visits to UMS have been conducted to resolve the water issue. We concluded that the water supply was not efficiently channelled due to a misunderstanding. 'However, this has been effectively resolved, and based on continuous monitoring since mid-May, the water supply at UMS has remained stable to date,' he said in a press conference, here today. Shahelmey said to address external constraints such as water theft, incomplete pipeline installations, and other factors, JANS and UMS have been urged to work more closely to resolve or minimise water supply issues. 'Through these discussions, JANS and UMS have agreed to cooperate, both in technical and communication aspects. JANS is also committed to ensuring that the volume of water entering the R13 tank remains sufficient and consistent, and will work with UMS on pump operations. 'Additionally, UMS must ensure that internal water distribution within the campus is well managed. JANS is also prepared to offer guidance and support in handling the university's internal water distribution if needed,' he said. Meanwhile, on the Telibong II pipeline project, Shahelmey said the Sabah government through JANS, is currently undertaking pipe installation works under phase II of the project. The project is expected to be completed by early July and will serve the Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu areas. 'It is hoped that once the pipe installation is complete, water distribution to Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu will improve and water supply issues will be minimised,' he said. At the same time, Shahelmey said the Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) project at the Kasigui Penampang water treatment plant, which was originally scheduled for completion in April, has been delayed due to several issues, including unpredictable weather since early this year. 'It should have been operational by now, but there have been constraints. However, I have been informed that it is expected to be fully completed by early July. 'Once completed, the project would benefit users in Penampang, Putatan, Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas,' he added. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial , @bernamatv , @bernamaradio Twitter : @ , @BernamaTV , @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial , @bernamatvofficial , @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Water supply at UMS stabilises after misunderstanding resolved
KOTA KINABALU: The water supply disruption plaguing Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was caused by a misunderstanding between the university and the Sabah Water Department (JANS) regarding the existing indicator at the R13 water tank. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also the State Works Minister said the issue is currently being addressed, and the current indicator would be replaced with a digital version within a week. 'A series of discussions between JANS and UMS, coordinated by the Sabah Works Ministry, as well as site visits to UMS have been conducted to resolve the water issue. We concluded that the water supply was not efficiently channelled due to a misunderstanding. 'However, this has been effectively resolved, and based on continuous monitoring since mid-May, the water supply at UMS has remained stable to date,' he said in a press conference, here today. Shahelmey said to address external constraints such as water theft, incomplete pipeline installations, and other factors, JANS and UMS have been urged to work more closely to resolve or minimise water supply issues. 'Through these discussions, JANS and UMS have agreed to cooperate, both in technical and communication aspects. JANS is also committed to ensuring that the volume of water entering the R13 tank remains sufficient and consistent, and will work with UMS on pump operations. 'Additionally, UMS must ensure that internal water distribution within the campus is well managed. JANS is also prepared to offer guidance and support in handling the university's internal water distribution if needed,' he said. Meanwhile, on the Telibong II pipeline project, Shahelmey said the Sabah government through JANS, is currently undertaking pipe installation works under phase II of the project. The project is expected to be completed by early July and will serve the Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu areas. 'It is hoped that once the pipe installation is complete, water distribution to Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu will improve and water supply issues will be minimised,' he said. At the same time, Shahelmey said the Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) project at the Kasigui Penampang water treatment plant, which was originally scheduled for completion in April, has been delayed due to several issues, including unpredictable weather since early this year. 'It should have been operational by now, but there have been constraints. However, I have been informed that it is expected to be fully completed by early July. 'Once completed, the project would benefit users in Penampang, Putatan, Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas,' he added.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Shafie calls for MACC probe into Sepanggar water contractor amid UMS crisis
Shafie KOTA KINABALU (June 5): Warisan president Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to launch an investigation into the contractor or water concessionaire responsible for the Sepanggar area, following the ongoing water crisis affecting Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). 'What is their track record? Were contracts awarded transparently? Is there corruption or mismanagement at play?' Shafie questioned in a statement issued on Thursday. He said that if the Sabah state government has nothing to hide, it should welcome MACC's involvement. 'Being open to scrutiny is the first step toward solving the real problem. Let us not insult the intelligence of Sabahans by blaming others. If this government still needs to point fingers after five years in power, then it has admitted its own incompetence. Enough is enough. Water is not a political game — it is a human right,' he stressed. Referring to the prolonged water supply issues at UMS, Shafie said the crisis has escalated beyond a local concern and has become a national embarrassment. '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, planning and empathy,' he said. He also pointed out that despite nearly five years under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration, no meaningful progress has been made to resolve this fundamental problem. 'If proper planning had been done, no student would still be facing water shortages in 2025 — certainly not in lecture halls, not in hostels, and not in Sabah.' He highlighted that UMS is not a remote school but a national institution with over 23,000 students and staff who rely on the R13 tank, which also serves Hospital Likas and surrounding commercial areas. Shafie revealed that when water levels in the tank fall below 0.5 metres, the entire supply system fails — yet repeated complaints and formal letters to the Sabah State Water Department (JANS) have reportedly gone unanswered. 'Instead of action, we have only seen denials and deflections,' he said. More troubling, he added, is the discrepancy between public statements made by JANS claiming sufficient water supply, and those of UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor, who contradicted those claims. 'This raises serious concerns about transparency and internal accountability within JANS,' said Shafie. He described the hardships faced by students, who have had to seek alternative housing, spend on bottled water, and queue with pails just to bathe, all while trying to pursue their education. 'It's no wonder the students are protesting. They are demanding basic human dignity. We are not making accusations — we are calling for transparency,' Shafie concluded.
