TAWAU: The State Government is urged to clarify an allocation amounting to up to RM44 million per year for the Deputy State Secretary (TSKN) of Sabah.
Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal questioned the purpose of this allocation, particularly in terms of necessity and significance.
“Why is there an allocation for TSKN Sabah? What is its importance? This needs to be examined, not just focusing on us terminating the concession contracts to empower the Water Department,” he said in response to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s statement that the State Government is now burdened with a cost of RM315 million “for nothing” as a result of the previous administration’s decision to terminate the water concession contracts during Warisan’s tenure.
The former Chief Minister was speaking at a breaking of fast event at Masjid Muhajirin, Kg Inderasabah, Tuesday.
Mohd Shafie also noted that many aspects still need attention in addressing the State’s water supply issues.
“The termination of these concession contracts is not the cause of Sabah’s water crisis. Water rationing in the State has existed for a long time, not just during Warisan’s administration.
“There is simply not enough water. We need to examine the leakages occurring within the system. If the Prime Minister is taking action against financial leakages, why aren’t we doing the same?” he questioned.
He highlighted that priority should be given to issues such as ageing and leaking pipes, as well as the long-standing failure to provide treated water supply to rural communities.
He also said certain areas in the State still do not receive treated water from the Water Department and are forced to purchase water from private suppliers.
“The inefficiencies in water management must be addressed comprehensively. It should not just be about blaming Warisan. We governed for two years, but the water problem existed long before us.
“Every year, payments were made to these concessionaires, yet the revenue collected was not proportional to the expenditure incurred,” he stated.
Mohd Shafie stressed that the concession contracts, which currently only cover the treatment of clean water, should be reviewed and integrated with the distribution process to consumers.
Asked about a viral video involving the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker, Mohd Shafie declined to comment, stating that he had not yet seen its contents.
“We leave it to the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter. Let those in authority conduct the inquiry. I won’t comment as I have not seen it,” he said.
