{
  "id": 16838429,
  "title": "Tawau water plant resumes operations after two-week disruption, but residents face longer wait for stable supply",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/tawau-water-plant-resumes-operations-after-two-week-disruption-but",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T03:02:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/28/tawau-water-plant-resumes-operations-after-two-week-disruption-but-residents-face-longer-wait-for-stable-supply/240903"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tawau's Utara Water Treatment Plant (LRA) restarted operations on Monday after a two-week disruption, due to better raw water quality. The Tawau Water Department has agreed to monitor the plant and water supply situation regularly. According to their Facebook post, residents are encouraged to conserve water as the supply stabilises, which may depend on the distribution system and affected areas. The department expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and thanked the public for their patience.\n\nSabah Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan revealed that Sabah Public Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Ridhwan Linus visited the Utara Water Treatment Plant to evaluate the situation. Minister Nizam also informed that the Sabah Water Department will augment the number of water tankers to bolster water delivery operations in affected areas. Nizam, who represents Apas, stressed the importance of strong coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies to expedite resolution for community well-being.\n\nChief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor directed a response to the water shortage issue in Tawau after it was raised during a Sabah Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The water scarcity was attributed to dry weather, low rainfall, and contaminated raw water, which halted the plant's operations for the past two weeks.",
  "summary": "TAWAU, Oct 28 — The Utara Water Treatment Plant (LRA) here began operations in stages on Monday following an impro...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}