Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Sim Fui wants the Sabah Water Department (JANS) to be more proactive in managing prolonged water disruptions in Kota Kinabalu, saying the issue is affecting hotels, restaurants, businesses and the tourism sector.
Sim, who is also LDP Api Api Division Chairman, said JANS should improve communication on repair progress, estimated restoration times and water tanker arrangements.
“I have raised this matter before. We cannot continue with a situation where a disruption notice is issued and residents and business owners are left wondering when the water will return.
“People understand that repairs can involve unexpected technical difficulties. What they need is timely, accurate and continuous information so they can plan accordingly,” he said.
He said at least 14 major hotels in Kota Kinabalu had been affected, with some guests cancelling reservations or shortening their stays as hotels ran low on stored water.
“Kota Kinabalu is the State capital and one of the main gateways to Sabah’s tourism industry. We must not allow prolonged water disruptions to jeopardise businesses or damage its reputation as a tourism destination,” he said.
Sim urged JANS to expedite repairs and activate water tanker deliveries proactively when prolonged disruptions are expected.
He said tanker schedules, distribution points and estimated arrival times should be announced in advance where possible.
“If residents know when and where the tanker is coming, they can prepare. Businesses can arrange their operations accordingly. It may sound simple, but it makes a significant difference,” he said.
Sim also thanked JANS personnel, contractors and front-line workers involved in repair works, stressing that his comments were aimed at improving the system rather than blaming staff.
He said the LDP Api Api Division and UPPM Likas had also been assisting with water distribution in Segama and other affected areas.
“Water is a basic necessity. We cannot allow prolonged disruptions to become something people are simply expected to accept as normal,” he said.
