Kota Kinabalu: The State Water Department came under fire from both the government and opposition for resorting to penalising those who have installed additional gadgets to secure uninterrupted water supply.
Both Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti Warisan said the department should address the root causes of water supply issues like thefts by illegals instead of penalising law-abiding citizens for installing additional water pumps to ensure stable supply.
SAPP Vice Youth Chief Yong Yit Jee said it should also look into upgrading Water Treatment Plants and improving the pipeline system to ensure treated water can be effectively distributed.
He said the Department should adopt a more compassionate and practical approach.
“For many rural residents, water pumps are a necessity, not a luxury. They are vital in securing a reliable water supply in areas where pressure is chronically low.”
The department on March 3 issued a month’s notice to the public regarding proper installation and use of water pumps.
It said Under Section 56 of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003, any consumer who alters their plumbing system to obtain greater supply of water than prescribed commits an offence and may face a fine of up to RM10,000.
Additionally, Regulation 41 of the Sabah Water Supply Regulations 1961 stipulates that no pump or apparatus capable of altering water pressure may be installed or operated without the written consent of the Director. This means a water pump cannot be installed after the registered water meter.
Yong said not all households can afford water tanks, especially in the current difficult economic climate where even basic necessities place financial strain on many families.
Furthermore, plumbers must play a responsible role by advising premise owners on the legal requirements for pump installation.
“It is not enough to simply install the pump; plumbers must ensure that the necessary permits or approvals are obtained beforehand. This will help prevent unintentional violations and ensure compliance with the law,” he said.
Warisan Kota Kinabalu Information Chief Samuel Wong said while the need for regulations was understood, the main issue is the department’s failure to ensure stable water pressure and availability.
“Many parts of Sabah, including commercial and residential areas face insufficient water pressure, forcing residents to find their own solutions, putting them at risk of facing legal consequences.
“Who would choose to install an additional pump if water supply is consistently smooth and well-pressurised?” Wong asked.
He highlighted the struggles faced by those living in elevated areas and higher floors, where water accessibility remained a significant challenge.
While supporting strict penalties for illegal water connections, Wong said there is a big difference between water thieves and law-abiding residents who faithfully pay their water bills but have to purchase additional equipment to secure reliable supply.
“We need to penalise water thefts heavily while recognising that these citizens are unfairly and indirectly penalised for having to buy additional equipment for stable supply,” he said.
Instead, Warisan called for increased efforts to address water theft which may be worsening the low water pressure issue.
He urged State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya and Water Department Director, Quirine Tan, to show empathy.
“Understanding the people’s suffering is crucial before making impactful decisions. The law is there to guide and protect, but it must also accommodate the reality of the residents’ needs,” he said.