KUDAT: Kudat Warisan Wira Chief Khairuddin Daud said the 33,000 residents on Pulau Banggi want concrete action instead of repeated funding announcements without visible progress by the government.
“The islanders do not want to hear repeated promises. They are waiting for concrete action and tangible results,” he said, referring to the water shortage plaguing the island.
The water shortage gained national attention in February 2024 when a viral video showed students from SMK Banggi’s hostel bathing in crocodile-infested swamps due to lack of clean water.
The State Government subsequently announced RM60 million in funding to address the problem.
In May 2024, the State Government promised to build a new Water Treatment Plant specifically for Pulau Banggi. However, the facility remains non-existent.
During Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent visit, the State Government announced an additional RM62 million under the Banggi Island Water Supply Enhancement Project.
“We do not reject any large allocation for the people’s welfare, but the people have the right to know the actual status of the Water Treatment Plant project promised since 2024? Khairuddin said.
“Why are announcement after announcement only made when the State Election is approaching? Is this merely political rhetoric to garner votes or a genuine commitment to resolve the peoples suffering?” he added.
The water crisis has worsened during dry seasons, forcing residents to buy water from private companies as the State Water Department’s water treatment plant on the island remains non-functional.
“The islanders do not want to hear repeated promises. They are waiting for concrete action and tangible results,” he said, referring to the water shortage plaguing the island.
The water shortage gained national attention in February 2024 when a viral video showed students from SMK Banggi’s hostel bathing in crocodile-infested swamps due to lack of clean water.
The State Government subsequently announced RM60 million in funding to address the problem.
In May 2024, the State Government promised to build a new Water Treatment Plant specifically for Pulau Banggi. However, the facility remains non-existent.
During Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent visit, the State Government announced an additional RM62 million under the Banggi Island Water Supply Enhancement Project.
“We do not reject any large allocation for the people’s welfare, but the people have the right to know the actual status of the Water Treatment Plant project promised since 2024? Khairuddin said.
“Why are announcement after announcement only made when the State Election is approaching? Is this merely political rhetoric to garner votes or a genuine commitment to resolve the peoples suffering?” he added.
The water crisis has worsened during dry seasons, forcing residents to buy water from private companies as the State Water Department’s water treatment plant on the island remains non-functional.
