Sandakan: The crisis of water supply disruption in Karamunting continues to raise concerns as the Member of the State Assembly (ADUN) N.54 Karamunting, YB Wong Tshun Khee @ Alex TK Wong, openly questioned the Sabah State Government's failure to address the ongoing issue.
Starting from February 7, 2026, he posted on Facebook with a firm question, “How long will the water supply problem continue to be interrupted?” while attaching a picture of a water tanker used in the emergency aid mission in his area. The post reflects the pressure faced by residents due to the recurring water supply disruptions.
The situation became more alarming when a Facebook user, Alfred Chong, uploaded a comment with a picture of dirty water stating, “Not only is there no water, but also mud water! Yoo!” indicating that the issue is not just about the lack of water, but also the contaminated quality of the supply.
On February 8, 2026, Alex TK Wong personally went to Tanah Merah Town and was reported to be waiting for the arrival of the water tanker that had not yet arrived at that time. He emphasized that he would not leave the location until water assistance reached the residents, as a sign of commitment to ensure the basic needs of the people are met.
On the same day, he issued a public statement condemning the Sabah State Government for its ongoing failure to address the water supply problem in Sandakan, particularly in Karamunting. According to him, although emergency water distribution using tankers had been carried out for several consecutive days, the water supply disruptions continued, causing residents to live in uncertainty.
Alex TK Wong stressed that this issue is no longer a temporary technical problem, but rather reflects a prolonged administrative failure. He revealed that the night before, he personally coordinated emergency assistance with the Water Department, which added one tanker, while four other tankers were also mobilized from other areas. However, that effort could only temporarily alleviate the situation and did not address the root cause of the problem.
He also criticized the Water Department for failing to provide a clear explanation regarding the cause of the disruption, arguing that there was no water shut-off and that investigations were still ongoing. According to him, such a response is unprofessional and irresponsible towards the suffering of the residents.
In the same statement, Alex TK Wong openly named the Deputy Chief Minister I of Sabah and Minister of Public Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, as the party that should bear responsibility. He emphasized that the failure to ensure basic water supply and identify the cause of disruptions in Sandakan raises significant questions about the leadership capabilities of the relevant portfolio, even stating that the minister involved should consider political responsibilities, including resigning if the issues continue to remain unresolved.
He further stated that water supply is the most basic public service and cannot continue to be handled ad hoc through tankers alone. The government, he said, must provide a comprehensive explanation including the actual condition of the water supply system, structural weaknesses, affected areas, and recovery periods, rather than hiding behind the excuse of “still under investigation.”
Alex TK Wong asserted that he will continue to monitor, publicly expose this issue, and bring the matter to the State Government level until a clear and responsible resolution plan is presented to the people.
