KOTA KINABALU: LDP Vice-President Sim Fui dismissed Warisan’s claims that corporatising the Sabah Water Department is akin to privatisation and would trigger tariff hikes.
He clarified that corporatisation means restructuring the department into a state-owned company to improve efficiency, accountability, and reduce Sabah’s 57pc non-revenue water.
Sim cited Penang’s PBAPP and Selangor’s Air Selangor as successful state-controlled models.
He stressed tariff adjustments would remain regulated, with safeguards for households and SMEs.
He noted even former Warisan appointee Amarjit Singh has since backed corporatisation, making Warisan’s current objections inconsistent.
He proposed safeguards: full state ownership, clear KPIs, transparent reporting, fair staff absorption, and regulated tariff policies.
"Sabahans want reliable water, not political rhetoric. Corporatisation under state ownership is a practical step to fix leakages and restore public confidence,” he said.