Media Statement
YB Alex TK Wong
Warisan N54 Karamunting Assemblyman
Call on the State Government to Prioritize Tens of Millions of Ringgit to Resolve Water Supply Issues in Sandakan
Following the Sabah Government’s announcement to allocate RM11.8 million in two phases to upgrade the toilets at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
The Warisan Karamunting Assemblyman, YB Alex TK Wong, urged the State Government to reconsider its funding priorities and channel the substantial allocation towards solving the long-standing water shortage problem affecting the people of Sandakan, instead of airport toilet upgrades.
Alex TK Wong stated that while he understands and agrees that the airport, as the main gateway to the state, deserves upgrades, government funds must be used prudently and directed to the most urgent needs. Sandakan has faced water supply problems for many years, impacting daily life, business operations, and public health. Residents frequently experience water interruptions and low water pressure, forcing them to store water, which increases the cost of living and hygiene risks.
He emphasized that the RM11.8 million allocation for upgrading KKIA toilets would be sufficient to implement at least two borehole projects in Sandakan. Based on preliminary estimates, constructing a single underground water borehole costs approximately RM5 million. With roughly RM10 million, two boreholes could be built to reduce water pressure issues in several areas, thereby improving the quality of life for thousands of residents.
“This is not an impossible project, but a practical solution that can be implemented in phases,” he said.
According to him, water supply is a basic service that should not be sidelined in favor of other physical infrastructure projects. State development should not focus solely on the capital or selected areas while neglecting long-standing problems in non-capital towns.
Alex TK Wong also criticized the prolonged failure of the State Government in addressing Sandakan’s water supply issues, which repeatedly forces residents to bear the effects of water disruptions without a comprehensive solution. He urged the government and relevant agencies to review the existing water supply system and long-term planning so that major development projects can proceed in tandem with improvements in basic amenities.
He stressed that his stance is not against upgrading airport facilities but calls for more balanced policies and allocations grounded in the real needs of the people across Sabah. Priority should be given to resolving basic, long-standing problems so that Sandakan residents can finally enjoy a stable and continuous supply of clean water.
Finally, he urged the State Government and relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the water supply system and planning, ensuring that resource investment occurs concurrently with other development projects, to prevent residents from remaining trapped in a cycle of water disruptions and low water pressure year after year.
Alex Wong
黄俊奇
#UniteN54Karamunting
