Ministry seeking RM100mil more to solve Sabah’s water woes

KUALA LUMPUR: An additional RM100mil allocation is being requested by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry to solve water supply issues in Sabah, says its Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“The ministry is also applying for cost realignment to the Economy Ministry for the additional allocation, based on Cabinet approval.

“The ministry will also ensure that approved projects are regularly monitored with work visits and on-site meetings by the agency responsible,” Fadillah, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said during Oral Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 6).

The RM100mil was on top of a RM300mil allocation approved by the Cabinet in September for the same purpose, he added.

The original allocation included four new projects costing RM200mil were approved under the Fourth Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for short-term solutions to water supply issues in Sabah.

At the same time, Fadillah said the Sabah government had approved RM163.55mil under RP4 for other similar projects.

“For long-term solutions, the Sabah government can make an application under the upcoming Rolling Plan based on project plans and requirements,” he added in reply to Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) who asked about measures to address the water supply issue in the state.

Fadillah also said the non-revenue water (NRW) rate in Sabah stood at 50% at present, and added that a priority is to replace pipes which will be done through grants.

“Sabah itself has to take steps to reduce NRW, especially water that is stolen from its supply,” he said, adding that illegal extensions were a primary factor.

“Action must be taken against illegal extensions. Otherwise, it will affect planning at the state level,” he said.