3 days ago
Sabah considers surveillance system to catch culprits disrupting water supply
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is considering installing a surveillance system around State Water Department assets following cases of culprits tampering with water valves and causing supply disruptions.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also state public works minister, said the authorities were closely monitoring the matter, although the motives of those involved remained unclear.
"In some cases, when Water Department patrol officers approach, the culprits run away.
"We are not sure of their motives, but it could be sabotage, or perhaps they are 'acting smart' by trying to solve water supply problems in their own areas.
"Of course it does (violate the law), because only Water Department employees are authorised to operate the valves, not members of the public," he said.
Shahelmey, who is also Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, was speaking to reporters after concluding the nine-checkpoint Merdeka Convoi for Putatan yesterday.
Commenting on the water supply situation in Kota Kinabalu and Putatan, he said it was stabilising following recent infrastructure works.
He said the Telibung 2–Phase 2 pipeline installation was completed on July 14, while balancing activities at storage tanks had also been carried out.
"We have received fewer complaints of water disruptions, except in early August when clarifier cleaning maintenance was carried out at Moyog.
"However, that has also been completed and water supply is now stable," he said.
Shahelmey added that the R3 main tanks supplying water to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Kingfisher area were in good condition.
"I have not received reports of water supply disruptions, except for pipe bursts around Kota Kinabalu. Hotel water tank levels have also been reported to be sufficient," he said.
He added that in Putatan, several areas such as Meruntum, Kampung Ulu and Lokawi were affected last week, but the situation has since improved.
