By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Hj Nasir has expressed disappointment with the Sabah State Government, led by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, over its failure to effectively address the ongoing water crisis in Sandakan.
He stated that the current supply disruption has affected thousands of residents and brought daily activities across the district to a standstill.
“This is not an isolated incident. It is a recurring problem that has plagued the people for a long time. Various proposals and warnings have been raised in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, including by me, yet no concrete action has been taken by the State Government,” he said in a media statement yesterday.
Suhaimi added that he had also brought the issue to the Dewan Rakyat to request immediate federal funding for repairs and upgrades to Sandakan’s water supply system.
“Although some funding has been allocated, the weaknesses in implementation and the failure of the Sabah State Government, particularly the Sabah Ministry of Works, to act proactively is deeply disappointing,” he said.
He emphasised that the State Government should have had an effective contingency plan to handle major breakdowns, like the one at the Segaliud Water Treatment Plant, the main plant supplying water to Sandakan.
“The failure to resolve this crisis swiftly reflects poor governance and a lack of concern for the people’s suffering,” he stressed.
Suhaimi, who is also Sabah UMNO Information Chief, noted that elected representatives have repeatedly raised this issue in both the State Assembly and Parliament through debates, oral questions, and motions. However, he lamented that their concerns seem to have been ignored.
“Our proposals and urgings are not politically motivated but are in the interest of the people, who face basic struggles daily, including access to clean water – a most fundamental need,” he said.
He added that public frustration is growing, and trust in the State Government is eroding due to its incompetence in managing this issue.
Suhaimi urged the Sabah State Government, specifically the Ministry of Works, to expedite repairs at the Segaliud Plant and its distribution network, implement a comprehensive long-term plan to upgrade Sandakan’s water supply system, and establish a contingency plan to prevent future crises.
“The GRS government must realise that the people do not want sweet promises but real and effective action. Do not let the people continue to suffer due to avoidable administrative failures,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continue championing this issue at all levels, both in the State Assembly and Parliament, for the well-being of the people of Sandakan and Libaran.
