Latest news with #RM100mil
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah Water Dept to provide hourly water level reports at UMS tank, says state Works Minister
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Water Department will now provide an hourly update on water levels at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah's R13 tank, says state Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. He said the move aims to help UMS manage its pumping schedule more effectively and ensure better water distribution on campus. 'A new water level indicator has been ordered and should be installed within one or two weeks. I will revisit UMS once that is completed to ensure smooth coordination between both parties,' he told reporters after distributing fresh beef from 30 cows to the needy in Putatan in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha on Tuesday (June 3). He was responding to UMS vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansur's strong criticism of the water department's May 29 statement, which claimed the university had always received sufficient water and that internal technical issues were to blame for any disruptions. Kasim described the claim as 'a lie' and 'insulting to our intelligence,' pointing instead to UMS' higher elevation and the distribution pattern from the R13 tank, which also supplies nearby commercial and government areas, as the root of the issue. Acknowledging these concerns, Shahelmey said the department's records showed consistent supply since May 19. However, he explained that from May 14 to 19, one of UMS' pumps was down, possibly affecting water delivery to the campus. 'That issue has since been resolved. This coordination is especially crucial as students are sitting for their exams in June,' the Deputy Chief Minister III added. Shahelmey explained that discrepancies in reports arose when student leaders accused the department of making false claims. Site inspections two weeks ago revealed that while the department recorded sufficient water levels in the R13 tank, UMS reported otherwise, due to a faulty tank indicator that led to miscommunication. Earlier, Kasim said: 'If water supply was sufficient, the students would not be protesting. To say it is always enough is a lie. We are not stupid. Our job is to teach students, not to provide water.' He added that the university, which serves over 23,000 students and staff, had sent several letters to the department since 2020 without receiving a formal response. Kasim also dismissed claims of faulty internal equipment, stating: 'We have three functioning pumps. Even when one failed, it was fixed within three days. The system works when there is enough water. Do not use the pump as an excuse.' He said UMS had resorted to using tube wells and harvesting rainwater, but these measures could only supply a fraction of the 3.5 to 5mil litres needed daily. In a related development, UMS student group Suara Mahasiswa has urged the university to take legal action against the water department and is demanding RM100mil in damages for years of water disruption and the financial burden it placed on students. A peaceful rally is planned for June 21 and 22. The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia Sabah Chapter has also weighed in, demanding a public apology from the water department. 'The department's statement is not just misleading but also disrespectful and damaging to a respected institution of higher learning,' said the chapter's chairman David Chan. He said the department had wrongfully blamed UMS' internal systems without technical consultation or verification. 'UMS is staffed by experts, including engineers with Master's and PhD qualifications. To imply poor internal management is a blatant dismissal of their capabilities and deeply insulting to the academic community,' he said. Chan urged the department to retract its statement, apologise publicly, and work with UMS on long-term solutions. 'Public agencies must uphold transparency and professionalism, not resort to blame-shifting and reputation-damaging remarks,' he added.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
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. --
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
UMS student group urges legal action over water issues
KOTA KINABALU: The water issue at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) persists, with a student movement group urging the university to sue the state Water Department for losses incurred during years of disruption. Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Fadhil Kasim said a recent statement by the Sabah Water Department claiming sufficient water supply to the university was false. "The department's statement on May 29 claiming that the supply in the R13 tank at UMS was always enough is irresponsible and a lie," he said. He said constant water disruptions forced students and the UMS community to incur extra living costs, including renting, utilities, and education fees. "We urge UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and sue them for at least RM100mil to cover these costs," said Fadhil. To support this demand, he claimed a fact check by the student representative council and UMS maintenance and development department found days when water levels in the main UMS tank and the water department tank were at zero metres. "This means the water supply from the Water Department did not reach UMS," he alleged. Fadhil urged authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to investigate potential corruption and abuse in handling this water crisis and the delayed Pan Borneo Project. "The Pan Borneo project, which passes by UMS, is also seen as a factor in the UMS water crisis," he said. He added that suspicions of a mega industrial company in Sepanggar using much of the supply meant for UMS should also be investigated. He said the call for the Sabah Water Department to be sued will be among their main agendas at their scheduled peaceful rally on June 21 and June 22. The water crisis in UMS started worsening about two years ago.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Grace period a boon for employers
On the ground: Sim (centre) and Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (front row, in white) posing with other dignitaries and participants of the HRD Corp's National Training Week (NTW) 2025, themed Learning Without Borders. PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) Amnesty Month, which ended on Saturday, has successfully saved employers up to RM100mil in costs nationwide. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said more than one million workers have been protected through the operation, which began in April. 'I call upon all employers to be more aware about making contributions for their employees. 'This is a social responsibility that cannot be ignored,' he said in a statement yesterday. Earlier this year, PERKESO had given employers a grace period from April 1 to 30 to register and begin voluntary contributions for their employees without facing legal action. An extension was given until May 31, whereby errant employers were exempted from compounds, legal action and late payment interest fees (FCLB). Additionally, Sim encouraged workers to download the PERKESO Prihatin application to check whether contributions have been made by employers to ensure that their rights are protected. On another matter, Sim said that 13 people were presented benefit payments totalling RM66,390. Of the recipients, five received benefits under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), three under the Rate of Contribution Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (Act 789) and five others under the Rate of Contribution Employment Insurance System (Act 800). Meanwhile, a total of 800 individuals received sponsored social protection contributions under PERKESO's Lindung Kasih programme during the Kaamatan Festival in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This included 150 housewives through the Housewives Social Security Scheme and 50 individuals under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme. Sim said the sponsorships was to ensure that more housewives received comprehensive social security protection. 'This shows the government's continued commitment in protecting housewives from domestic disasters and inefficiencies while managing the household,' he added.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Umno seeks Cabinet post
Symbolic act: Ahmad Zahid attending a pre-Gawai celebration at the Rumah Panjang Raeh Baru in Serian, Sarawak. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/ The Star SERIAN: Umno wants a Cabinet minister post following Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's exit from the party, says party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid said this was because Umno had seven Cabinet ministers previously, and Tengku Zafrul's departure would leave the Barisan Nasional lynchpin with only six ministers. 'With Tengku Zafrul being out of Umno, we will request one full ministerial seat to be given to Umno, so that we will have seven (ministers),' Ahmad Zahid told reporters during a pre-Gawai celebration event. The Umno president said he held discussions with Tengku Zafrul in Parliament three months ago, adding that he has no issues with the latter leaving the party. 'But we should know that it is unethical for any parties within the unity government to accept another member from an allied party,' he pointed out. Ahmad Zahid said when Tengku Zafrul was appointed to the Cabinet in 2023, it was not mentioned that this was done under an Umno ministerial quota. 'But back then, an Umno vice-president was appointed a minister based on an Umno quota. This gives the perception that the appointment came about because he was representing Umno,' said Ahmad Zahid. Ahmad Zahid said the party received Tengku Zafrul's resignation letter yesterday. He said during the 15th General Election, Barisan and Umno candidates are bound by an agreement not to defect to another party with a RM100mil bond. 'Tengku Zafrul lost when contesting an MP seat. Nevertheless, he was appointed as a senator. I will check with Umno's legal advisers on whether this agreement and bond are tied to his case,' said Ahmad Zahid. Meanwhile, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was of the view that Tengku Zafrul is not bound by the pledge signed by Barisan candidates as he became a minister on the basis of being a senator. 'That is not included within the scope of the agreement because Tengku Zafrul did not win the election. That is a pledge made by an elected representative or a state assemblyman or a Member of Parliament (referring to the pledge). 'If they win, the seat belongs to the party, not to the individual, and the individual who becomes a candidate and wins, they sign many agreements including reimbursing the costs incurred by the party,' he said, Bernama reported. Vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani concurred, saying that Tengku Zafrul is not tied to any anti-hopping laws, as his ministerial appointment was not via Parliament but through senatorship. He also said Umno's cooperation with PKR within the unity government remains intact despite Tengku Zafrul's resignation from the party. He said both parties must remain united in their efforts to ensure the country's political stability.
