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GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has insisted it has never been idle in addressing the state’s longstanding water supply issues, including in Papar, amid claims from political opponents suggesting the government has failed to resolve utility challenges ahead of the 17th Sabah General Election (PRN17).
Party Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said on Saturday accusations that the administration has neglected water, electricity, and road issues are politically motivated narratives.
“They say GRS failed to solve the ‘three-in-one’ issues, but did they resolve them when they were in power? That is the story being sold, made more dramatic with videos and photos, and then concluded that GRS has failed,” he stated in a video posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday.
Armizan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Papar emphasised that these problems are not recent but legacies spanning decades.
He noted that Papar alone faces a daily shortfall of 30 million litres of treated water, with demand at 93 million litres while existing treatment plants produce only around 63 million litres.
Despite the challenges, he said the government has already initiated key solutions, including the Kogopon Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA) upgrade, which is progressing positively.
“The contractor has been appointed and the Chief Minister conducted the groundbreaking in August 2023. Two years have passed and, God willing, it will be completed by the end of 2026,” he reported, adding that the project had reached 59.39 per cent completion as of 25 October 2025.
Armizan also highlighted the development of an alternative intake at Kampung Kabang to address high chloride levels that have forced two Limbahau treatment plants to shut down during dry seasons.
“When salinity is high, the plants have to shut down. That is why we need an alternative source so the plants can continue operating,” he explained. The intake project began in March and has reached 36.92 per cent completion, with completion expected early next year.
“I apologise that I do not have a magic wand to complete projects instantly. But work is ongoing, and I personally monitor progress to ensure it stays on schedule,” he added.
The minister urged the people of Papar to continue supporting GRS to ensure the continuity of public services. - November 1, 2025