KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan (Warisan) has renewed its concerns over the State Government’s plan to corporatise water supply services, cautioning that it may open the door to privatisation and higher tariffs.
Warisan legal advisor Chin Tek Ming (pic) said on Friday that the move was being rushed as the State Assembly heads towards automatic dissolution on Nov 11, describing the administration as a “lame-duck government” at this stage.
He said corporatisation was not new in Malaysia and had previously been considered in Sabah but abandoned due to concerns of high risks and potential losses.
While noting successful models in Penang and Selangor, Chin stressed that Sabah must ensure transparency, professional expertise, and independence from cronyism to avoid worsening the State’s already strained water supply.
He also urged the Water Department Director to uphold accountability and act in the public interest, adding that water must remain a basic right safeguarded for all Sabahans.