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

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 14 — Since Aug 12, a water supply disruption in the State Capital has impacted 14 hotels, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah and Labuan Chapter reported. Their chairman, Suresh Ramasamy, called on the Sabah Water Department to quickly stabilize and restore the supply. He noted that issues began on Aug 8, with hotels forced to use reserve tanks and expensive private water tankers, which are limited by high demands from both businesses and residents.

This supply crisis has already led to room cancellations and shorter guest stays, putting financial strain on local tour operators, transport services, and other businesses. MAH warned that if the uncertainty continues for several days, it could harm tourism confidence before major events like Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah Year 2027. They are urging for immediate tanker support and clearer timelines for resolving the issue.