The Malaysian Insight

THE ongoing dry spell in Sabah has severely hit Semporna and Tawau in the east coast, and there are only days left before the water reserves dry up, said Peter Anthony.

Since the drought started in February, six treatment plants in the district have hit critical levels, the state infrastructure development minister said.

The problem is severe in Tawau, where water rationing had started last week, he added.  

“The pumps in Tawau treatment plants are no longer able to treat and distribute water supply to the nearby areas,” he told reporters during the World Water Day run in Penampang stadium today.  

Out of the 14 state-wide treatment plants, eight were replenished after rainfalls were recorded in Penampang, Papar and Keningau in the last two days, Anthony said.

However, he assured that the state water department is prepared for such disaster, adding that supplies in most parts in Sabah are still under control.

“If the situation continues to worsen, the state government will commence with cloud seeding mission. But it is not necessary at this point of time,” he said.  

The meteorological department said the ongoing drought is expected to end by June as Sabah experiences annual drought due to the effects of climate change.

Anthony said the government plans to build water storage facilities to store up to four months’ worth of water in all 25 Sabah districts.

He said the construction of the Papar dam and Ulu Padas hydro dam would resolve the problem, adding that the projects are now at the design stage.

“At present, the technical and environmental assessment reports are being drawn up and we expect they will be completed within six months.

“Once they are completed, we can commence the construction of the dams, which will likely be next year,” he said. – March 24, 2019.