No water, no stay: KK hotels hit by cancellations amid supply cuts since Aug 8

Kota Kinabalu, Aug 14 — Since Aug 8, a water supply disruption in the state capital has left 14 hotels in the dark, according to MAH Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman Suresh Ramasamy. Ramasamy has appealed to the Sabah Water Department to quickly restore the supply, describing the initial disruptions as having started on Aug 8. Hotels are now forced to use reserve tanks and expensive private water tankers, which are already in short supply due to high demand from both businesses and residents.

This water crisis has led to room cancellations and guests leaving early, jeopardizing the financial stability of local tour operators, transport services, and businesses. With tourism confidence at risk before the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah Year 2027 events, MAH is pleading for immediate tanker support and clearer restoration schedules for the affected hotels.