Water Department To Investigate Thieves For Stealing Water

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has directed the Water Department to enforce laws and prosecute those involved in water theft. Factories caught stealing water will also face court action rather than just fines.

Illegal connections are the main cause of Sabah's 60% non-revenue water (NRW), the highest in the country. Following a demonstration by University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students over water issues, the State Cabinet was briefed that recent UMS water outages were due to burst pipes and illegal connections from five villages to the university.

Hajiji emphasized the need for stern action against water theft and proposed installing a 500-litre tank for villagers to prevent illegal connections. The government is also working to improve water supply, with the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant and other projects expected to enhance distribution by 2026.