Tenom: Construction of a RM42 million water treatment plant in Melalap is expected to begin soon to address the long-standing clean water supply problems in the district.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar recently visited the proposed project site to inspect preparations.
Jamawi said the new plant would have a production capacity of three million litres a day (MLD), benefiting residents in Pekan Baru Melalap and surrounding villages.
“Once completed, the plant will significantly improve water supply for the area,” he said.
He added that all project documentation had been finalised by the Sabah Water Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
The issue of land ownership, involving a site previously owned by Sime Darby, had also been resolved after an application was made in 2023.
Among the areas expected to benefit are Pamilaan, Karitan, Senagang, Tipoh, Ulu Sumbiling, Mandalom, Saga, Intabuan and nearby villages.
Jamawi said the existing Senagang Water Treatment Plant was no longer able to meet growing demand due to rapid development in Tenom and Melalap.
“The Senagang plant has a capacity of 17 MLD, while daily demand has reached 19 MLD. The new three-MLD plant will bridge the shortfall and help ensure a more stable water supply for Melalap,” he said.
He explained that the recent water supply disruption in the area was caused by damage to the intake structure beneath the old bridge.
Although repairs have been completed, water supply had to rely entirely on the Senagang plant during the repair period.
The situation was worsened by heavy rain, which increased water turbidity and forced the Water Department to reduce the Senagang plant’s output from 17 MLD to nine MLD to protect the treatment system.
As a preventive measure, Jamawi said he had advised the Tenom Water Department to prepare a standby pump to minimise the risk of future disruptions caused by damage to the intake system.
He also called on residents to be understanding of the technical challenges faced by the Water Department during the recent supply interruption.
Jamawi expressed appreciation to officers and personnel from the relevant agencies for their commitment to ensuring the success of the infrastructure project.
He hoped construction of the new plant would proceed smoothly and be completed on schedule for the benefit of residents.
