Papar MP explains water rationing issues & announces 2 major infrastructure projects worth over RM300 million.
PETALING JAYA: Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has provided a detailed explanation of the persistent water supply issues affecting parts of the constituency, while announcing progress on two major infrastructure projects aimed at resolving the long-standing crisis.
In a statement addressing constituents, the Domestic Trade and Living Costs Minister emphasised the responsibility to find solutions to water rationing problems that have burdened Papar residents for years, particularly in areas experiencing frequent water supply disruptions.
Armizan confirmed that two significant water infrastructure projects have secured funding and commenced:
- Kogopon Water Treatment Plant (LRA) Phase 2 Upgrade – Expanding capacity from 40 million liters per day (MLD) to 80 MLD
- Kampung Kabang Intake Upgrade – Increasing capacity from 9 MLD to 30 MLD
Both projects collectively exceed RM300 million in value and are being financed through federal soft loans.
Armizan also directly responded to opposition Warisan party’s criticism of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government’s handling of water issues.
He questioned why the Kogopon LRA Phase 2 project, originally scheduled for completion in 2022, experienced significant delays during Warisan’s time in power from 2018 to 2020.
“When the project was postponed until 2020 (RMK-11) and began in 2021 (first year of RMK-12), it had to be re-evaluated considering the increase in various related costs,” the statement explained.
Armizan highlighted that the state government could not proceed with project procurement until the Notice of Change (NOC) regarding project costs was finalised by the federal government as the loan provider.
Questions were raised about the role of Papar’s Warisan MP from 2018 through late 2022 in ensuring the NOC issue was resolved promptly at the federal level.
Starting January 2023, Armizan said he had worked alongside representatives from Kawang and Limbahau constituencies to expedite the NOC resolution and enable project commencement.
He further expressed gratitude to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor for his central role in resolving the matter.
“GRS does not have a magic lamp to ensure these large-scale projects are completed immediately and water supply disruptions are stopped instantly,” he acknowledged.
“Our commitment is to ensure projects proceed according to schedule.”
Armixzab further criticised Warisan’s previous state administration, alleging that their priority was not ensuring planned projects proceeded, but rather canceling projects due to political vendettas, ultimately causing difficulties for residents.
The statement concluded with a call to support GRS under the slogan “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga” (Our Home, We Care).
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