No water for nearly two months, then a RM120,000 bill — Putatan condo dwellers ask why pay for water Sabah water utility was already treating

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 17 — A condominium in Putatan, Sabah, is refusing to pay a hefty RM120,000 bill for water delivered by private tankers during a 55-day supply disruption between April and May. The residents, who had to rely on bottled water for their daily needs, argue that they should not have to pay extra costs if the State Water Department (JANS) had fulfilled its duty.

The Putatan Condominium faced repeated water shortages since 2018, and during the crisis, the developer and management had no choice but to obtain water from private tankers. However, it was later discovered that the transported water was actually treated by JANS, the same supply that had failed to reach the residents through the usual distribution network.

The high logistical costs led to residents being charged RM7.50 per cubic metre, significantly higher than the standard rate of RM1.30 per cubic metre. Many residents have refused to settle the bill, claiming they should not be responsible for the failures in the public water distribution system. The crisis has caused significant frustration, with residents struggling to maintain proper sanitation, hygiene, cooking, and daily living conditions.

The situation has raised concerns that the prolonged disruptions could lead to a public health issue if not addressed promptly. Residents are demanding accountability from the authorities, emphasizing that the government, as the primary duty-bearer, must ensure reliable access to clean water and sanitation. They argue that this basic right for citizens has been neglected, and they call for concrete action to prevent any legal intervention.