SANDAKAN: Sabah Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk James Ratib has urged the Sabah Water Department to take immediate action to address Sandakan’s prolonged water supply problems, which have recently worsened and affected several schools in the district.
He said the water disruption had been a longstanding issue in Sandakan, with some areas experiencing intermittent supply interruptions lasting between three and five days.
James said he was briefed on the worsening situation after arriving at the airport earlier today and will immediately contacted the Sandakan Water Department director to seek an explanation and urgent intervention.
“I was informed that the water problem has been ongoing for several weeks, with supply sometimes interrupted for three, four or even five days.
“I contacted the President of Sandakan Municipal Council, Datuk Walter Kenson who have also notified Water Department director, who explained that repairs would take four to five days. However, once the repairs were completed, new pipe bursts would occur elsewhere,” he said.
He was also informed that the department had initially identified and repaired 15 pipe bursts, but new incidents continued to emerge.
James said he had also contacted the relevant state leadership to highlight the seriousness of the situation, while the Water Department had been urged to resolve the disruptions as soon as possible.
He said arrangements should also be made to deliver water to affected schools using tanker trucks and other suitable transportation to ensure that students and school operations were not further disrupted.
“I want the top management of the Sabah Water Department to come down to Sandakan personally to assess the situation and find a lasting solution to these recurring problems,” he said.
James also expressed his appreciation to Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee for her concern and efforts in contacting the Water Department early that morning to seek an immediate resolution.
He also commended Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Walter Kenson for his continued attention to the town’s water supply issues, saying his concern had been evident even before assuming the position.
James was met by reporter after officiating the Sandakan 5th “Little Hong Kong” High Pole Lion Dance National Level Invitation Competition 2026 on behalf of Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Sandakan Sport Complex on Saturday.
There are 29 groups came from around Malaysia to participate in the competition which held from 7th to 8th November. The event is also held together with Food Fest “Little Hong Kong” Sandakan.
