Latest news with #SabahWorksMinistry
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah committed to reliable water supply
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Assistant Minister of Works Datuk Limus Jury said JANS is actively planning and implementing initiatives to deliver safe, high-quality and continuous treated water to all users. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Works Ministry, through the State Water Department (JANS), is committed to planning and developing a sustainable and reliable water supply system to serve all communities in Sabah. Assistant Minister of Works Datuk Limus Jury said JANS is actively planning and implementing initiatives to deliver safe, high-quality and continuous treated water to all users. He said JANS also dedicated to enhancing service delivery by providing efficient, professional and customer-oriented services to ensure users' satisfaction. 'Under the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) of the 12 Malaysia Plan (12MP) up to 2025, JANS has undertaken a series of high-impact projects aimed at addressing long-term water supply issues. 'These include 18 projects in the West Coast Division, 15 in the Interior Division, 12 in Tawau, five in Sandakan, and two in Kudat,' he said when replying to Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman during question time at the State Legislative Assembly here on Tuesday. Annuar asked whether the State Government has special plan or long-term action plan to address treated water supply including use of alternative method such as rainwater harvesting especially in rural areas or areas that often face water supply disruptions. Looking ahead to the 13Malaysia Plan (13MP) starting in 2026, Limus said the Ministry is studying proposals to appoint consultants to conduct comprehensive assessments and prepare master plans for all districts in Sabah. 'The studies will focus on short-, medium- and long-term strategies to optimise safe treated water supply across the state, including the proposed implementation of a state-wide Water Grid strategy. 'Additionally, my Ministry has submitted a list of priority proposals to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), which includes resolving water supply issues in Tawau and Sandakan, implementing a holistic Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Programme in Keningau and Beaufort, as well as proposing works to replace old and deteriorating pipes in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan and Sandakan,' he said. Limus also revealed that JANS plans to build Pre-Sedimentation Tank Systems at 22 water treatment plants across Sabah in phases under the 13MP, subject to federal approval. Furthermore, he said the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through JANS, had approved three projects under the 12MP's RP5 to tackle water supply problems in Kinabatangan, Beluran and Pitas. As for alternative water supply distribution, Limus said JANS does not directly provide alternative water supply distribution due to its responsibilities under the Water Supply Enactment 2003 (Amendment 2022), which limits the agency's role to supplying treated water to registered users. However, he said that JANS fully supports alternative supply initiatives and is ready to offer technical expertise and cooperation to any agencies tasked with implementing such projects. 'This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring every community in Sabah enjoys access to safe and sustainable water,' he said. Meanwhile, Minister of Works Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the State Government has plans to gradually replace its aging water pipe network in a move to address frequent leaks and water supply disruptions affecting several districts. He was replying to a supplementary question by Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub on whether the government has any plans or programmes to replace old pipes that frequently burst, especially in areas that often experience water supply disruptions due to leaks in aging pipes. Shahelmey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, said Sabah currently has around 1,200 kilometres of old asbestos cement (AC) pipes, which have been prone to frequent bursts, especially in areas that often suffer water cuts due to pipe leaks. 'JANS has ongoing programmes to replace these aging pipes and upgrade transmission and distribution lines in districts such as Sandakan, Keningau and Kota Kinabalu. 'However, replacing all these old pipes at once would involve very high costs. Therefore, the replacement works will be carried out in phases,' he said. He added that since last year, JANS has appointed repair contractors to handle leaking and damaged pipes across all zones in the State as part of efforts to improve and renew the water infrastructure. 'This is part of our commitment to repair and replace old and leaking pipes currently causing problems in various parts of Sabah,' 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah targets sustainable water supply, phased pipe replacement
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Shahelmey, James Ratib and Joachim Gunsalam at the assembly KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Works Ministry, through the Water Department (JANS), is intensifying efforts to improve long-term water supply across the state under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with 52 projects ongoing statewide. Assistant Works Minister Datuk Limus Jury said JANS is focusing on delivering safe, treated water through high-impact projects in rural and urban areas, while also preparing for the 13MP by proposing masterplans for all districts and a state-wide Water Grid strategy. JANS has also submitted priority proposals to the federal government, including replacing old pipes in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Sandakan, and implementing a Non-Revenue Water (NRW) programme in Keningau and Beaufort. Limus added that JANS plans to build 22 pre-sedimentation tanks under the 13MP and supports alternative supply initiatives like rainwater harvesting, though its role is limited to treated water distribution. Separately, Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said 1,200km of aging asbestos cement pipes across Sabah will be replaced in phases due to high costs, with active repair and upgrade works ongoing in Sandakan, Keningau, and Kota Kinabalu to tackle frequent leaks and disruptions. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
29-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Pan Borneo Highway project being closely monitored
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Shahelmey inspects the Pan Borneo Highway construction project in Benoni. CONTRACTORS working on the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah are now operating under closer government supervision, as the State seeks to prevent further delays and restore public confidence in the multi-billion ringgit infrastructure undertaking. Deputy Chief Minister cum State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said a structured monitoring system has been implemented to ensure that contractors meet their obligations and that the project stays on course after repeated setbacks in earlier phases. 'We have enhanced our monitoring systems – this allows us to track progress more closely and flag any issues early before they become major problems,' he said. Under the revised system, contractors falling behind by 5 per cent in scheduled progress will receive formal reminders, while delays of 20 per cent will prompt warning letters. In more serious breaches, termination of contract and blacklisting from future work packages will be considered. 'If any contractor breaches the contract, they will be issued a warning or, in the worst case, their contract will be terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract.' He stressed that the government was no longer prepared to tolerate substandard performance at the expense of the public purse. 'These contractors will also be excluded from consideration for future work packages,' he added, noting that public interest and trust were paramount in the stewardship of state infrastructure funds. As of April this year, 82.55 per cent of Phase 1A of the highway has been completed. The project, which spans approximately 706 kilometres in Sabah, is part of a broader Borneo-wide connectivity plan linking Sabah to Sarawak and ultimately Kalimantan. Four work packages covering 41.7 kilometres have already been completed and opened to public use. The remainder of Phase 1A is scheduled for completion by 2026. Phase 1B, which recently commenced, has recorded 3.70 per cent progress and is targeted for completion in 2028. In the long term, the highway is envisioned to support cross-border movement and trade with Indonesia via Kalimantan. A portion linking Sindumin in Sarawak is expected to be completed by 2027. A proposed Phase 3 is also in planning, involving a route from Tawau through Kalabakan, Keningau and Kimanis, completing a loop within Sabah and linking to the Kalabakan-Simanggaris road on the Kalimantan border. To oversee the implementation and maintain transparency, the government has formed a high-level Steering Committee comprising senior Federal and State officials. According to Shahelmey, this body meets monthly to assess progress and resolve issues swiftly. 'The Steering Committee is co-chaired by the Federal Works Ministry and the Sabah Works Ministry secretaries, with input from utility agencies,' he said. The committee's monthly meetings serve as a control mechanism, offering a platform to identify bottlenecks and authorise corrective measures, including budget realignment, land acquisition acceleration, and disciplinary review of contractor performance. 'We are fully committed to resolving these matters as quickly as possible,' he said, adding that all decisions are now being made more efficiently due to the committee's elevated mandate. While project delays have long frustrated the public, the State Government has taken the stance that not all setbacks are within the contractors' control. The main contributors to delays, said Shahelmey, are land acquisition and utility relocation. 'These two factors are not entirely within the contractor's control, and imposing penalties in such circumstances could be counterproductive.' He added that no financial penalties have been imposed on contractors so far, although enforcement actions are being considered in relevant cases. 'Every effort is made to resolve issues promptly to prevent any contract termination and avoid additional cost implications for the government,' he said. Despite not enforcing penalties yet, Shahelmey made it clear that accountability remains a central policy tenet. 'The government remains committed to holding contractors accountable for their performance.' On the financial loss to the government due to project delays or underperformance, Shahelmey said a full assessment can only be conducted after the completion of all phases. 'The total cost impact is still being evaluated and can only be fully determined through the assessment of loss and expenses claims and related cost implications,' he said. He added that cost escalation due to material prices, workforce shortage, and site complications are also under review, and a post-project audit would determine whether losses stemmed from preventable lapses. To ensure that only capable contractors are appointed for future phases, the government has restructured its prequalification tender process. 'We are improving our contractor selection process to make sure we appoint companies with a strong track record and the ability to deliver what they have committed to,' said Shahelmey. This reform, he explained, is aimed at preventing the appointment of entities that lack the capacity or experience to manage large-scale, geographically challenging infrastructure works. He acknowledged that past leniencies in contract award processes had left room for inefficiencies, particularly among contractors unprepared for Sabah's more demanding terrain. Unlike in Sarawak, where larger road reserves have simplified construction, Sabah's development has been hampered by compact road corridors and higher population density in affected areas. 'Sabah's more compact road reserves and more densely populated areas have required more extensive coordination and negotiation with landowners,' said Shahelmey. These factors have delayed both construction and utility relocation, often necessitating fresh rounds of community engagement, compensation settlements, and design revisions. Nonetheless, coordination with local authorities has improved, to speed up these processes through targeted task forces and dedicated land acquisition units. The recent elevation of the Sabah Public Works Department (PWD) to a full technical department under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework has further enhanced the project's governance structure. 'This shift strengthens its technical expertise, allowing the department to be more efficient and effective in managing complex projects,' said Shahelmey. He said this development has enabled the PWD to act with greater autonomy in approving designs, overseeing procurement, and addressing technical obstacles without repeated referrals to federal agencies. Shahelmey said the State Government is also pushing for contractors to adopt modern technologies at construction sites to boost efficiency and reduce human error. 'We also encourage the contractor to adopt modern technologies to improve efficiency at construction sites, whether it is through better scheduling tools or automation of machinery.' The integration of digital monitoring tools into construction planning is one such initiative, allowing project managers to track real-time progress and identify resource lags. In addressing public concerns about delays and the apparent lack of terminations, Shahelmey said the government is prioritising completion over finger-pointing. 'The focus is ensuring completion and minimising further delays,' he said, while reiterating that consequences for non-performance remain on the table. No contractors have been terminated to date, he added, but all are under active monitoring. The State's zero-tolerance stance on repeat failures means any breach could lead to disqualification from future government projects. Shahelmey stressed that the State Government's approach is rooted in collaborative problem-solving rather than punitive escalation. 'The State Government prioritises collaborative solutions to address challenges before pursuing punitive measures that could stall overall progress,' he said. Highway to remain toll-free THE Sabah Pan Borneo Highway will remain toll-free, with the State Government maintaining its position that no tolls will be introduced for road users once the highway is fully completed. Shahelmey said the decision to keep the Pan Borneo Highway toll-free reflects the critical role it plays in connecting inter-district areas throughout Sabah, where no viable alternative routes exist. 'Currently, there are no plans to impose tolls on the Pan Borneo Highway,' he said, adding that affordability and accessibility for all road users are key priorities. He noted that keeping the highway free of tolls is vital to supporting both mobility and economic development across the State. Shahelmey also confirmed that the original estimated total cost of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway remains at RM26.6 billion and that this figure has not changed since the inception of the project. However, he said the final cost can only be determined once the project is fully completed, as variations and extensions may alter the overall expenditure. 'The final cost will only be known upon completion of the project, as it may be subject to adjustments due to variation orders and extensions of time,' he explained. Whether the project is the most expensive highway infrastructure undertaken in the country, Shahelmey said it may not necessarily be the case. 'While the Pan Borneo Highway is undoubtedly a major infrastructure investment, it may not be the most expensive highway project in Malaysia,' he said. He pointed out that urban highway projects in the peninsula, especially those in areas with high land values or requiring complex tunnelling works, typically incur higher costs per kilometre. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the Sabah portion of the Pan Borneo Highway comes with its own cost pressures and engineering challenges. 'The difficult terrain, construction complexities, land compensation costs, and the need for utility relocation all contribute to a higher overall cost,' he said. To date, RM1.294 billion has been allocated for land acquisition under Phase 1A of the project, a figure Shahelmey said is consistent with the original budget and compensates all affected landowners accordingly. He added that land acquisition for Phase 1B is now underway, with an initial estimate of RM1.215 billion allocated for compensation to landowners. 'The process of offering compensation to landowners is currently in progress for Phase 1B,' he said.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
UMS water supply stabilised after resolution of misunderstanding with Sabah Water Department
KOTA KINABALU: The water supply disruption plaguing Universiti Malaysia Sabah was caused by a misunderstanding between the university and the Sabah Water Department regarding the existing indicator at the R13 water tank. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also the State Works Minister, said the issue was being addressed, and the current indicator would be replaced with a digital version within a week. "A series of discussions between the water department and the university, coordinated by the Sabah Works Ministry, as well as site visits to the university, have been conducted to resolve the water issue. We concluded that the water supply was not efficiently channelled due to a misunderstanding. "However, this has been effectively resolved, and based on continuous monitoring since mid-May, the water supply at the university has remained stable to date," he said in a press conference here on Thursday (June 5). Shahelmey said that to address external constraints such as water theft, incomplete pipeline installations and other factors, the water department and the university have been urged to work more closely to resolve or minimise water supply issues. "Through these discussions, the water department and the university have agreed to cooperate, both in technical and communication aspects. The water department is also committed to ensuring that the volume of water entering the R13 tank remains sufficient and consistent, and will work with the university on pump operations. "Additionally, the university must ensure that internal water distribution within the campus is well managed. JANS is also prepared to offer guidance and support in handling the university's internal water distribution if needed," he said. Meanwhile, on the Telibong II pipeline project, Shahelmey said the Sabah government through the water department, is currently undertaking pipe installation works under phase II of the project. The project is expected to be completed by early July and will serve the Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu areas. "It is hoped that once the pipe installation is complete, water distribution to Sepanggar and Northern Kota Kinabalu will improve and water supply issues will be minimised," he said. At the same time, Shahelmey said the Urgent Water Supply Scheme (UWSS) project at the Kasigui Penampang water treatment plant, which was initially scheduled for completion in April, has been delayed due to several issues, including unpredictable weather since early this year. "It should have been operational by now, but there have been constraints. However, I have been informed that it is expected to be fully completed by early July. "Once completed, the project would benefit users in Penampang, Putatan, Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas," he added. – Bernama
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Works Ministry urged to resolve Tawau Port crisis
Tan KOTA KINABALU (May 9): The Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) has called on the Sabah Works Ministry to urgently address the longstanding issues plaguing Tawau Port, warning that inefficiencies are crippling businesses and disrupting supply chains. STIA president Tan Peng Juan cited a May 1, 2025 report highlighting the port's inferior facilities, which have caused severe logistical delays. 'These setbacks are hurting industries dependent on timely cargo processing,' he said in a statement today. Tan revealed that many export-bound containers remain stranded due to malfunctioning equipment. The port's only two cranes broke down weeks ago, and despite promises of repairs, the situation persists. This has led to shipment delays, demurrage fees, and rising container rental costs for exporters. Compounding the crisis, a vessel scheduled for May 11, 2025, has been canceled — a move that will worsen backlogs and strain businesses further. 'The cancellation disrupts supply chains, inflates costs, and hampers operations,' Tan stressed. He noted that the port's inefficiencies have already driven away shipping lines, with weekly feeder vessels reduced from one or two to just one every fortnight. 'Without urgent improvements, fewer vessels will call at Tawau, harming Sabah's economy,' he warned. The logjam has also spiked logistics costs, which could trigger higher consumer prices. STIA members currently have 80 containers stuck since April 18 and another 96 awaiting shipment. Diverting shipments to Kota Kinabalu Port would cost an extra RM2,000 per container — a burden businesses cannot afford amid rising production costs and weak global demand. STIA urged the government and Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd to act swiftly, demanding both immediate solutions and long-term upgrades to port infrastructure.
