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KOTA KINABALU, 2 June 2025 — Pritchard Gumbaris, Chairman of Warisan Kg Kepayan branch and Political Secretary to Warisan Deputy President Datuk Darell Leiking, has called on the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, to immediately direct the Sabah Water Department and the Ministry of Works to adopt greater transparency and accountability in all matters concerning water supply.
This call follows a public rebuttal by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Dr Kasim Mansur, who criticised a recent statement by the Water Department claiming that water supply to the campus has always been sufficient.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor
Dr Kasim described the department’s assertion as “misleading and insulting,” noting that the university community has endured persistent water disruptions for years.
“To say that the supply has always been enough is a lie. It insults our intelligence. We are not stupid,” Dr Kasim was quoted as saying.
Chee Chun Chieh
He further stressed that if water supply were truly adequate, there would be no student outcry or protests.
The Sabah Water Department, in a statement issued on May 29, claimed that the R13 tank serving UMS “has never been empty,” attributing any issues to internal campus pumping problems.
Datuk Shahelmey Yahya
Pritchard responded by recalling a similar situation involving residents of Taman Penampang Apartment.
“I remember the exact same excuse being given to the residents and management of Taman Penampang Apartment by the then District Engineer, Mr Chee — who is now the Director of the Sabah Water Department,” said Pritchard.
He also highlighted recent concerns over the Urgent Water Supply Scheme Project in Kasigui, which was scheduled for completion in May 2025. However, according to reliable sources, the project is only 70% completed — a fact not disclosed during the most recent State Assembly sitting in April.
Warisan Kg Kepayan Branch Chairman
Pritchard pointed out that in early 2025, the state government had launched 18 water supply initiatives under a special RM320 million federal allocation to improve infrastructure. These projects include the replacement of old pipes, upgrading of booster pumps, and repairs of faulty equipment — all aimed at improving efficiency and reducing water loss.
“Unfortunately, the rakyat are being kept in the dark. There have been no public updates, no progress reports, and no accountability,” he said.
Pritchard, who constantly become the voice for Kepayan constituency for the past 7 years stated that residents there have lodged numerous complaints about erratic water supply.
“Previously, this was a major issue among high-rise apartments and condominiums, but now even landed residential areas are suffering,” he explained. “People deserve to know the truth. If there are delays, explain them. If UMS can openly criticise misleading remarks by the department, so can the people of Kepayan.”
He concluded by outlining Warisan’s commitment to governance reform.
“If given the mandate to govern, Warisan will establish an independent Ombudsman System within the first six months of taking office. This Independent body will allow the public to lodge complaints without fear. We believe the rakyat must have a role in holding the government accountable — always.”
It’s quite concerning to see how basic infrastructure issues in Kepayan have been neglected for so long. Pritchard’s remarks highlight a clear lack of responsiveness from Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, which is disappointing for the residents. The fact that it took public complaints and political drama to get the road resurfaced is unacceptable. Why wasn’t this addressed sooner through proper channels? The confusion among residents about who actually represents them is alarming—shouldn’t there be clearer communication from the elected officials? The presence of a large group of DAP staff during the inspection does seem like a political stunt rather than genuine concern. What steps will be taken to ensure such delays don’t happen again in the future?