PRESS STATEMENT:
21 APRIL 2026 - WATER CRISIS IN TIMPANGOH LAUT, KAMPUNG SUGUD AMID PROLONGED DROUGHT
PENAMPANG
- The water supply situation in Timpangoh Laut, Kampung Sugud, is
becoming increasingly critical as prolonged drought has caused the
gravity-fed water sources in the area to dry up.
Penampang
Warisan Division Chief, Jeffrey Leiking, has urged the State
Government to immediately deliver treated water supplies to villages
in the Penampang district that still rely on gravity-based water
systems.
The
crisis in Timpangoh Laut stems from gravity water reservoirs in the
area that have dried up due to prolonged hot weather and lack of
rainfall over the past few months.
“Residents
of Kampung Timpangoh Laut, Sugud, reached out to us last week
requesting emergency assistance in the form of mineral water supply.
In
response, we collected donations from friends to fund the purchase
and delivery of emergency mineral water supplies, and last Friday
(April 17, 2026), we successfully delivered aid to 50 families in the
area,” he explained.
However,
Jeffrey stressed that the responsibility of ensuring a consistent
supply of treated water ultimately lies with the State Government and
the elected grassroots leaders.
“The
State Government must instruct the newly elected Village Development
and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons in areas dependent on
gravity-fed water systems to go to the ground and monitor the
situation closely.
Any
reports and requests from JKKK chairpersons regarding the need to
deliver treated water to affected areas must be attended to
immediately by the State Government, as this involves the health and
lives of the villagers,” he emphasized.
He
also noted that beyond ensuring sufficient supply, the government
must ensure that the quality of water delivered is safe for
consumption.
“Treated
water delivered should not contain high levels of chlorine, as this
could lead to various health issues among residents.
Some
villagers have complained that previously delivered treated water had
a strong chlorine smell.
Therefore,
the Penampang Health Department should monitor and inspect the pH
levels and overall quality of treated water delivered by water
tankers, not only to Timpangoh Laut but also to other areas in the
district,” he added.
He
further stated that Warisan Penampang will continue to monitor the
situation to ensure that no affected families are left behind.
During
the emergency aid mission, Jeffrey Leiking was accompanied by Warisan
Strategic Communications Director Christopher Masudal and Division
Committee Member Michael Tann Jr. and Regie Puvok.
