SANDAKAN: In a decisive move to combat water theft, a joint enforcement operation dismantled 43 illegal water pipe connections and detained one suspect at the Mangkalinau illegal settlement, off Mile 3, on Tuesday.
The crackdown, held from 7.00 am to 3.00 pm, involved 89 enforcement officers from 18 agencies and was supported by media representatives. In addition to the arrests, authorities confiscated two water pumps.
According to the State Water Department, the case is being investigated under Section 49(b) of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003, which provides for a maximum RM100,000 fine, a one-year prison term, or both. This operation forms part of broader efforts to address escalating Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses across the Sandakan region.
Meanwhile, Sabah Electricity cut 40 illegal electrical connection cables weighing 82 kilogrammes, while the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) issued three compounds and seized 11 packs of cigarettes at the site.
The State Water Department has affirmed that regular operations will continue at other identified hotspots to ensure water sustainability for lawful consumers and drive down overall loss rates. – James Leong
An enforcement personnel cuts illegal water pipe connections during the operation.
