Sabah cabinet tackles Tawau water shortage amid drought conditions
The Sabah cabinet discussed the ongoing water shortage in Tawau caused by dry weather and insufficient river flow, and ordered increased tanker deliveries.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Sabah youth development, sports advancement and creative economy minister Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan raised concerns over a water crisis in Tawau, where a lack of rain has lowered river levels and compromised raw water quality. The Utara water treatment plant remains unable to operate fully because of these conditions, despite recent rainfall. Chief Minister Hajiji Noor directed the state works and utilities ministry to order the Tawau water department to intensify water distribution via tanker trucks to the hardest-hit areas.
Dr Joachim Gunsalam, the state's works and utilities minister, confirmed that officials are closely tracking the problem and deploying capacity to assist residents. Nizam pledged to stay in contact with the ministry and water department to ensure ongoing attention to the basic needs of households affected by the shortage.
Why it matters
Reliable water supply is essential for daily life, and the shortage affects households across Tawau.
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