Water Department slammed for Labuan water crisis
Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Text Size: The empty water cistern in Wong's house. LABUAN: The Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) has criticised the Water Department (JBA) for its continued failure to resolve the island's worsening water crisis, calling its response slow and inadequate. Its President, Datuk Wong Kii Yii, said he was personally affected after his home was left without water for several days, and despite repeated calls to JBA, no water delivery was made. 'My family, along with other residents nearby, had no access to clean water. I contacted JBA several times asking for a water tanker to be sent, but there was no prompt response,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. He said it was only after contacting the Chief Executive Officer of Labuan Corporation (Perbadanan Labuan), Sukuran Taib, that a water delivery was arranged using a PL tanker. He commended the swift action by Sukuran and his team. Wong called on JBA to be more responsive to public complaints and act quickly to assist residents in need of water, especially during prolonged supply disruptions. He also criticised the Public Works Department (JKR) and JBA for failing to properly cover up a road section near his house, where pipe repair works had been carried out, causing inconvenience to road users. Wong urged the Government to take serious and immediate action to address the worsening water situation in Labuan, stressing that it is affecting daily life and investor confidence. 'The Government has grand plans for Labuan's development under the Federal Territories Department (JWP), including programmes like the Borneo Flora Festival, but the people are suffering from basic shortages. Even the flowers at the event get watered daily, but not the people,' he said. He said he has hesitated to bring potential investors and tourists to Labuan due to the unresolved water issues and warned that it may affect the island's image and economic prospects. Wong reiterated his call for the government and related agencies to stop ignoring the needs of the people and prioritise essential services like water supply. 'Don't let the people of Labuan continue to suffer. JBA must respond to water supply complaints quickly, especially for rural residents,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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