By Jornah Mozihim
Penyelaras Warisan
DUN Matunggong
KOTA KINABALU : — The statement by the Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor that appears in the Star dated 23rd September refers.
As Warisan supporters and ordinary Sabahans, we cannot stay silent any longer.
For too long, the people have been forced to live with dry taps, rationed supply, and expensive water deliveries, while politicians use our struggles as talking points to win votes.
Now, corporatising the State Water Department is being sold as the latest “solution” — but Sabahans have every right to question: is this genuine reform, or just another attempt to impress voters?
Let’s face the truth — 57% of treated water in Sabah is lost before reaching the people.
This shocking figure is not new; it has been tolerated for years because of poor governance, weak enforcement, and corruption.
And while grand projects are paraded in speeches, ordinary families continue to suffer in silence.
Yes, we know about the RM365 million Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar (completion in 2026).
Yes, we hear of the RM300 million Air Cinta Mata Dam in Tawau (operational in 2027).
Yes, there are promises that by 2030, the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric and Water Supply Project will deliver 6,000 million litres daily.
But what about today? What about the mothers who cannot cook or wash because of empty pipes?
What about schools where children have to bring bottles of water?
What about businesses forced to spend thousands just to buy tanker supply?
These are not tomorrow’s problems — they are today’s realities.
Warisan supporters believe that water is a right, not a privilege.
It should not be used as political propaganda or an election gimmick.
Sabah deserves leadership that focuses on the people’s welfare, not on ribbon-cuttings and hollow promises.
We want real delivery, not endless announcements. We want transparency and accountability, not spin.
We want to see actual water flowing into homes, not statistics thrown in speeches.
Sabahans are not blind.
We see who genuinely fights for the people, and who hides behind propaganda. Stop playing politics with our lives.
Deliver water — nothing less.