SANDAKAN: Member of Parliament for Sandakan Vivian Wong has called on the Sabah Water Department (JANS) to enhance its crisis management efficiency, emphasizing the need for clear and effective public communication.
She stated: “As a government agency, JANS has a responsibility to communicate effectively with the people, ensuring they understand the situation, the actions being taken, and the progress made.”
Vivian asserted that timely explanations from JANS could have prevented widespread public panic and concern.
She also urged JANS’s social media team to avoid adding to public confusion and demanded an official statement to clarify the situation and prevent the spread of misinformation.
“I am not the JANS’s spokesperson. As the lead agency, they must take responsibility for this water crisis and provide the necessary explanations,” she said.
She revealed that the Segaliud Water Treatment Plant had a backup generator, but it couldn’t be started due to a diesel shortage and delayed delivery. To resolve the critical situation, she personally coordinated the diesel supply with the plant and the Public Works Department Kinabatangan office.
However, this led to the spread of false claims that she used personal funds to buy the diesel, causing further confusion and concern among residents. – James Leong
