Kota Kinabalu: Thien Ching Qiang (Warisan-Tanjung Papat) said long-standing failures in basic utilities such as water, electricity and streetlights have become a serious threat to public safety, health and dignity.
He said the persistent issues showed the Government failed to address the real causes.
“Problems involving inconsistent water supply, frequent power outages, non-functioning streetlights and overlapping agency responsibilities are no longer minor inconveniences, but indicators of the Government’s actual capacity to manage basic needs.
“Sabah is rich in natural resources, yet in terms of basic facilities like water supply, we are among the most backward,” he said during the debate on the Sabah Budget 2026.
Describing the situation as unacceptable and deeply frustrating for the public, Thien highlighted severe and recurring disruptions across Sandakan, particularly in his constituency.
He cited weekly water cuts in Kg Sim Sim, the complete absence of water for more than four months in upper floors of Sim Sim Flats and Yii Villa, and near-weekly disruptions affecting Sandakan town and the public market.
“Some schools instructed students to bring their own water for toilet use, while businesses such as eateries, salons and small traders were forced to shut down due to lack of water supply,” he said.
“The Duchess of Kent Hospital also experienced water disruptions, affecting its ability to carry out surgeries.
“Other areas such as Universiti Malaysia Sabah, the airport and shopping malls are similarly impacted,” he added.
According to Thien, more than 150 water disruption notices had been issued by the Water Department since Sept 30.
“This is no longer an issue of comfort, it’s about health, safety and human dignity.” On streetlights, Thien said the issue posed a clear safety risk to road users. Along the route from Taman Grandview to Sandakan town, he said more than half of the 73 streetlights were not functioning.
He criticised what he described as “passing of responsibility” between the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) and the Public Works Department (JKR), which he said had resulted in no concrete action.
On electricity supply, Thien said frequent outages and load shedding were becoming normal, particularly on the East Coast, which relies heavily on power transmission from the West Coast.
He cited a landslide incident in Kg Sarapung, Penampang, in September that damaged a Sabah Electricity transmission tower and disrupted supply to nearly 230,000 users, exposing the fragility of the system.
He sought updates on the Southern Link Transmission Line project and the proposed 275kV Sabah-Sarawak interconnection, including financial implications for the Sabah Government.
Thien also raised concerns over electricity meter box installations, saying developers and homeowners were facing rejected meter applications despite having obtained Occupation Certificates or Certificates of Completion and Compliance approved by Sabah Electricity, leading to unexpected additional costs.
He urged the Government to pursue a clearer and more resilient energy transition, questioned the lack of budget allocations for renewable energy promotion, Sabah’s carbon reduction initiatives and the readiness of the power grid to support proposed wind energy projects in Kudat.
“Sabah cannot continue to rely on outdated systems and short-term fixes,” Thien said, calling for coordinated action to safeguard basic utilities and long-term sustainability.