Don’t sacrifice independent oversight for speed in Sabah’s water crisis fixes, says former Water Dept director

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 2 — Sabah's ongoing water supply challenges demand swift and effective solutions, but former Water Department director Datuk Amarjit Singh warns that a rush to action must not compromise independent engineering expertise. Amarjit emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between an engineering consultancy and a commercial service provider, especially when both parties are involved in supplying water infrastructure, equipment, or specialized technologies.

The key concern, he argued, is independence. While companies may possess valuable technical know-how, operational experience, and the ability to deliver projects swiftly, this does not automatically confer independence. Under Malaysia's engineering regulatory framework, an Engineering Consultancy Practice registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is tasked with providing impartial engineering advice, encompassing feasibility assessments, design, and certification, within its lawful scope.

Amarjit stressed that employing a professional engineer does not, by itself, transform a product manufacturer, operator, or service company into an independent engineering consultancy. Major water supply decisions, such as desalination, water reuse, additional storage, leakage reduction, and watershed protection, should commence with an impartial evaluation of the available options, he emphasized.

Companies advocating for technologies in which they have a financial stake could face an inherent conflict of interest, making independent assessment crucial. According to Amarjit, such companies should provide expert advice while service providers offer proven technologies, specialized knowledge, implementation capability, and operational support.

The former director cautioned against singling out a single party to decide on the best solution for the public. Instead, he advocated for major water projects to undergo independent engineering assessment before commitments are made, to ensure that Sabah's resources are directed towards technically sound, environmentally responsible, and financially sustainable solutions.

He stressed that major water projects should undergo independent engineering assessment before commitments are made, to ensure that Sabah's resources are directed towards technically sound, environmentally responsible, and financially sustainable solutions. Amarjit's remarks aimed to spark a public debate on infrastructure governance and water security and were not intended to target any specific company or organization.