SANDAKAN: The Sabah Water Department detected and cut off 43 illegal water pipe connections during a large-scale integrated operation carried out in two squatter areas near Batu 3, here, Tuesday.
Two water pumps were also seized and one arrest was made in the same operation, with the offence to be probed under Section 49(b) of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003.
Offenders convicted under the enactment face a fine of up to RM100,000 or a jail term of up to one year, or both.
The concealed water source uncovered.The operation, led by Sabah Water Department Enforcement and Security Branch Chief Assistant Director Azmie Sabli, involved 89 personnel from 18 federal and state enforcement agencies, along with members of the media.
The department said the operation aimed to curb illegal water pipe connections and address the critical non-revenue water crisis in Sandakan.
The operation also focused on detecting, cutting off and enforcing the law against manipulation of the water supply system.
The team also uncovered a water source area that had been deliberately concealed with overgrown bushes, where illegal electrical wire connections were also found.
At the same time, Sabah Electricity detected and cut off 40 illegal electrical wire connections weighing 82kg during the operation.
The Sandakan Municipal Council issued three compounds for offences and seized 11 packs of suspected contraband cigarettes during checks carried out in the same squatter area.
The Sabah Water Department said monitoring operations will continue in other hotspot areas to ensure clean water supply for legitimate consumers in the district is not affected.
