SIBU – Tiong King Sing has raised alarm over a deepening water supply crisis in Sibujaya, describing it as a widespread issue affecting daily life rather than isolated disruptions.
The Bintulu MP said what was meant to be a festive visit to residents turned into a series of complaints, with nearly every household raising the same concern — persistent water supply interruptions.
“Instead of festive conversations, residents were voicing frustration over the lack of water. This is no longer a minor issue, it has become a serious livelihood crisis,” he said.
The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president stressed that the problem now affects the entire Sibujaya area and requires immediate, concrete intervention.
Tiong, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, urged the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication to present a clear and effective action plan instead of offering repeated assurances without results.
He said the prolonged disruptions have forced residents to rely on bottled water even for basic needs such as cooking, while small businesses are struggling to operate as usual.
“More concerning are complaints that water meters continue running and charges are imposed despite no supply. This is unacceptable and must be addressed,” he added.
Tiong noted that the issue has been repeatedly raised over the years, including in the State Legislative Assembly in 2023, yet little progress has been made.
“This is a long-standing problem that has been delayed for far too long. What we see are denials and excuses, not solutions,” he said.
He also pointed out the growing frustration among residents who question how sufficient water can be supplied for large-scale events, while basic daily needs remain unmet.
Tiong said earlier assurances on upgrading water treatment facilities and related infrastructure have yet to translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
He added that residents are calling for Sarawak’s Utility and Telecommunication Minister to personally visit Sibujaya to better understand the severity of the situation.
According to him, low-cost housing residents and those living in flats are among the hardest hit, as the ongoing disruptions continue to strain already challenging living conditions.
He urged the state leadership to step in decisively and ensure the long-standing water supply issue in Sibujaya is resolved once and for all. -MalayaDailyToday
