No water, so Labuan turns to disposables
Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025
By: Sohan Das Text Size: Wong said if water supplies don't return to normal quickly it would become a trend for coffee shops here to use such disposable utensils which is not expected of an island supposed to be prosperous as a financial centre as well as oil and gas hub. LABUAN: Some restaurants here are switching to disposable cups and plates due to recurrent water shortage. 'I don't blame these shops for doing so as the island has been hit by dry taps since Monday, affecting hundreds of homes and businesses. 'Several coffee shops and two food courts were unable to do business and were closed as they had not water,' said Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Wong Kii Yii. Wong said if water supplies don't return to normal quickly it would become a trend for coffee shops here to use such disposable utensils which is not expected of an island supposed to be prosperous as a financial centre as well as oil and gas hub. He said there were also reports of some having to buy costly 20-litre drinking water for shower. Wong urged the Water Supply Division to understand that water is essential not only for home use but for business. 'Every week we are notified by the department of water shutdown here and there for various reasons which had become unacceptable to consumers. 'The Madani government allocated RM300 million last year to address Labuan's water woes and there should be improvement seen but, ironically, it has become worse.' Wong also urged the Water Department to ensure only Grade A contractors were appointed to do the repair jobs and work should continue on a 24-hour basis for return of normal water supply. Labuan uses about 50 million litres daily (MLD) and 90 per cent of the water is drawn from Padas River channelled here via a 25.7km undersea pipeline. Most of the network of distribution pipelines were obsolete and being replaced. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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