SANDAKAN: Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib has urged the Sabah Water Department to take immediate action to resolve Sandakan’s prolonged water supply disruptions, which have also affected several schools.
He said some areas had experienced intermittent water cuts lasting between three and five days, with the problem persisting for several weeks.
James said he had contacted the Sandakan Water Department director to seek an explanation and urge immediate intervention after being briefed on the worsening situation upon arriving in the district.
He said 15 pipe bursts had initially been identified and repaired, but new bursts continued to occur in other locations.
He also urged the department to arrange water tanker deliveries to affected schools to ensure students and school operations were not disrupted further.
James said the department’s top management should personally visit Sandakan to assess the situation and find a lasting solution to the recurring water supply problems.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Sandakan 5th Little Hong Kong High Pole Lion Dance National Level Invitation Competition 2026 at the Sandakan Sports Complex on Saturday.
