Focus on clean water, roads before investing in AI and space projects, Sabah govt told

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government should address basic necessities before pursuing ambitious programmes, said opposition leader Samuel Wong.

"Stability, clean water, electricity, good roads, and functioning streetlights are not luxuries; they are basic human rights.

"Why is the government investing in space exploration and Artificial Intelligence (AI) when people are crying out for clean water and reliable infrastructure?

"How can we talk about space when entire communities, including those in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, are grappling with water shortages?" said the Warisan Kota Kinabalu division information chief in a statement.

Recently, Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif announced a proposal to establish an artificial intelligence and space centre in the state.

Wong added that the water crisis in Sabah has worsened in recent weeks, crippling many areas.

"In Kota Kinabalu city alone, even renowned malls have been forced to take drastic measures.

"One mall has restricted toilet access to conserve water, and tenants have been warned of potential air-conditioning disruptions.

"How are businesses supposed to operate under these conditions? How will this impact livelihoods in the city?

"If high-profile locations like malls, hotels, and condominiums are struggling, how are ordinary Sabahans in rural areas surviving?"

In 2023, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor pledged that the state's water woes would be resolved within three years.

He said the final upgrading of the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant in Tamparuli would increase the water supply capacity by 80 million litres per day (MLD) to meet the needs of northern Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran.

Additionally, a water treatment plant in Papar is being constructed to boost the water supply from 40 MLD to 80 MLD. The project, costing RM380 million, is scheduled for completion in 2026.

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